Why is this man as stubborn as an ox?

"Zhanyan, where are you? Don't run off!"

A man's anxious voice rang out. Shu Nian caught the attention of the familiar, harried figure.

"Excuse me, are you looking for this little girl?"

A flash of surprise crossed Ji Yumu’s face. He turned quickly to see Shu Nian holding his niece’s hand, and his alarm was instantly replaced by overwhelming relief. His gaze locked onto Zhanyan. Seeing she was safe and sound, the heavy stone in his heart finally dropped.

"Zhanyan, are you alright? I’ve been looking for you for so long; you scared me to death." Ji Yumu’s voice trembled. He reached out, needing to physically confirm her safety.

Shu Nian, seeing that the little girl knew him, nudged her toward him. Zhanyan smiled softly, a hint of apology in her eyes. "I’m sorry, Daddy Yumu. I was just curious and wandered off a bit. I didn't mean to make you worry so much."

Shu Nian stood by, watching their interaction. She was shocked to hear her call him "Daddy Yumu." In her previous life, she had no idea Ji Yumu even had a daughter. Thinking of how he was far from a qualified father, she frowned, though her tone held a touch of reproach: "Ji Yumu, really, she’s just a little girl. How could you leave her alone here? With human traffickers running rampant, what if..."

Ji Yumu nodded. He didn't argue with her reproach, knowing she was right.

Shu Nian then shifted the focus to herself. "It’s a good thing I’m smart, wise, pretty, a good actress, and wealthy—otherwise, how would such a beautiful little girl like me?"

Ji Yumu ignored her self-aggrandizing remark. Like a peddler praising his own melons, she was truly something. He turned back to Zhanyan, his tone softening significantly. "Zhanyan, you can't run off like that again. Be careful of traffickers; you won't always be this lucky."

Zhanyan nodded, her eyes full of grievance. "Okay, Yumu, thank you for your concern. I’ll be more careful from now on."

He watched the well-behaved girl and couldn't help but stroke her hair. Observing their dynamic, Shu Nian’s irritation began to dissipate. They acted like a childish little adult and a mature grown-up, which, she had to admit, was quite interesting.

She sighed softly and prompted, "Well, since you've found her, aren't you going to thank me?"

Ji Yumu and Zhanyan exchanged a glance, both offering forced smiles. Ji Yumu said, "Thank you!" and prepared to pick up the girl and leave.

Shu Nian blocked his path. "Don't just give me empty words. I want some real action. Have you considered what I brought up last time?" She gave a mocking laugh. "And if you don't want to smile, don't look so strained."

*Hmph!* Fu Zhouye had said the same thing to her last time, but she dared not take revenge on him. So, she decided to take it out on Ji Yumu. If he couldn't look after his own daughter properly, he deserved to be mocked.

"Miss, I have already clearly refused you. I am not interested in your so-called 'chasing dreams' or whatever," he retorted. "And let me give you a word of advice: the entertainment industry is deep. Someone as pretty as you won't be able to avoid the 'unspoken rules'."

He then scooped up the little girl and headed toward the dilapidated house where they were staying.

Shu Nian sighed. Why was this man as stubborn as an ox? Didn't he know that those who are brave enough to act first are the ones who get to enjoy the world? Besides, one should throw themselves wholeheartedly into their dreams. If you don't fight for your own dreams, you’ll end up working for someone else’s. She truly couldn't fathom what was going on in his head—how could he let such a small, cute, adorable child suffer with him?

Still feeling indignant, Shu Nian transformed into a T-Rex, stomped down to the second floor of the parking garage, and kicked the door open. Inside, she saw Ji Yumu reciting classical poetry to the little Barbie doll. The girl was fully immersed, reciting, "The white sun is hidden behind the mountains; the Yellow River flows into the sea."

Hearing the loud crash, they thought the bad guys had returned. Instinctively, Ji Yumu pulled the girl into his arms. Seeing it was only Shu Nian, he exhaled, then snapped, "I told you I’m not interested in your dream-chasing! Don't bother me!"

Realizing she had scared the child, Shu Nian looked apologetic. "I’m truly sorry. I just acted out of anger for a moment."

The little girl, seeing the "pretty sister," ran over and hugged Shu Nian’s leg. "It’s okay, pretty sister, I forgive you. But next time, don't be so reckless, you might hurt yourself."

The soft, sweet voice rang in her ears. Shu Nian was practically melted by the adorable child. *What a disaster!* Why had she been so impulsive? She had actually scared such a cute,萌 (adorable) little girl. It was a grave sin. But if she wanted to make amends, she had to win over the father first.

Shu Nian tossed her hair back, wearing an expression of absolute determination. "Mr. Ji, I’d like to speak with you privately. I believe that if we talk, it might change this little girl’s future." She paused, adding, "What do you think, Mr. Ji?"

A flicker of shock crossed Ji Yumu’s eyes. He couldn't let her see how much he cared for Zhanyan. Zhanyan was his only living relative in this world! But if she stayed with him, she would spend her whole life in a house like this, never having a chance to get ahead. He feared she would end up like him—miserable, pathetic, like a rat in a gutter that everyone wants to stomp on.

Ji Yumu sat the girl on a stool to read and, after giving her a few instructions, walked out with Shu Nian.

She had guessed right; this little girl was Ji Yumu’s Achilles' heel. But she had never seen this girl in her past life—did she die young? Shu Nian quickly shook her head; she shouldn't curse people so easily, lest it come true. But this time, she could change their fate.

Leaning against the wall, Shu Nian looked at him sideways. "I assume, Mr. Ji, you wouldn't want this little girl to spend her whole life like this, would you?"

Ji Yumu’s eyes were filled with murderous intent, his hands clenched into fists, looking as though he were ready to fight to the death. "What exactly do you want?"

His voice carried a restrained fury, and the pressure made her heart tighten. Yet, looking at his murderous glare, she only smiled brilliantly. In her past life, she had seen everything; this… was nothing new.

She comforted him in return, "Mr. Ji, don't be angry. I won't do anything to the child. Besides, I’m not deranged enough for that. But I do hope you’ll listen to what I have to say."

"Earlier, your daughter proudly told me that her father taught her to 'know the ways of the world without becoming worldly, and to remain innocent despite having experienced the sophistication of life.'"

Ji Yumu pressed his lips together, silent. He had indeed taught her that.

"But Mr. Ji, you should know that truly mature people not only understand the ways of the world but also maintain their original heart, untainted by worldliness. Such people possess the ability to see through the complexity of human nature yet choose to face life with innocence. Achieving this level of maturity requires constant growth through study and practice. In this complicated world, one must maintain a transcendent heart."

"But you and I both know how hard it is to keep such a heart. Think of how much suffering one must endure first, and how many truths one must see through—those things are immeasurable."

Ji Yumu sighed. Shu Nian didn't stop, continuing, "This quality is indeed precious, but a girl needs both spiritual enrichment and material prosperity. She shouldn't have to suffer so much from a young age. We don't advocate the 'suffering is a blessing' mentality, because suffering is inevitable; one should simply enjoy the process."

"I believe you can eventually become the person you dreamed of in your youth. Don't leave regrets in your life, and do your part for your daughter—give her a limitless future, and let her be happy."