In a corner of a hospital in Binhai, hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor as Zhong Haiming rushed over, his face showing both anxiety and barely concealed glee.

Meanwhile, a hospital bed carrying the dying old man was being carefully pushed by the nurses, followed by many family members. Their faces showed worry or curiosity, but all of them recognized the importance of this moment.

After all, everyone knows that Wu Yali—the woman who has been by the old man's side for many years and is regarded as his soulmate—is experiencing the most crucial moment of her life—she is about to give birth.

Such news undoubtedly shocked the entire family, who rushed over, eager to witness the birth of this new life.

Zhong Haiming stood in the crowd, his gaze occasionally glancing at the old man on the hospital bed who was still stubbornly fighting against death, a barely perceptible sneer curling at the corner of his mouth.

He thought to himself, "This old man is really tough; he still hasn't breathed his last. But it doesn't matter. I'm not in a hurry. I have plenty of time. Once he's gone, the entire Zhong family will be mine."

Thinking of this, a smug gleam appeared in his eyes, as if he had already foreseen a glorious future where he would soon be in control of everything.

You wouldn't believe it, would you? Wu Yali—the woman who originally belonged to the old man—is now pregnant with his child.

This secret joy flowed through my heart like a warm current, making me feel a little lightheaded.

"Old man, old man, you probably never imagined that your home, your life's work, would be quietly devoured by me. Even the woman you cherished most is now continuing my bloodline."

Zhong Haiming was filled with indescribable excitement and pride. He seemed to see himself standing at the pinnacle of the Zhong family's power, looking down on everything.

Time ticked by, and the air was thick with a mixture of tension and anticipation.

Finally, the operating room door slowly opened, and a soft beam of light shone through the crack, illuminating everyone's faces.

Wu Yali was gently wheeled out by medical staff. Her face showed the tenderness and exhaustion of a new mother. Beside her, a tiny baby lay quietly in an incubator, as if it were the purest gift in the world.

As Zhong Haiming watched this scene, his pride was palpable.

He seemed to hear the victory horn and see his future days of dominating the Zhong family.

At this moment, he felt as if he were standing at the top of the world, and all the conspiracies and schemes turned into endless joy and satisfaction.

After Wu Yali was wheeled out of the operating room, everyone went to the ward that had been prepared for them.

Inside the ward, the soft lighting could not mask the tense atmosphere that permeated the air.

Zhong Haiming's feelings were complicated, a mixture of nervousness and excitement. He couldn't wait to get closer to the crib, wanting to see his blood-related child up close for the first time.

However, when he looked closely, he was stunned.

The child's face was dark and grimy, quite different from the pink and cute look he had imagined.

"What...what's going on?" Zhong Haiming was filled with doubts. He couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Why am I not that dark-skinned? Could this child have been mistakenly registered? How could this possibly be a child of the Zhong family?"

His words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples.

Upon hearing this, the weak Wu Yali turned pale instantly. She quickly retorted, "Zhong Haiming, don't make false accusations! Newborn babies all have skin like this. Don't talk nonsense if you have no experience!" Although her voice was weak, it carried an undeniable firmness.

But Zhong Haiming's words had already attracted the attention of the other members of the Zhong family, who gathered around and focused their attention on the tiny life.

The child's skin was indeed too dark, as if he had been pulled out of a coal pile, which was very different from the image of a baby that everyone had in mind.

"Is...is this really a child of our Zhong family?" an elder asked doubtfully, his eyes revealing undisguised suspicion.

Others also cast scrutinizing glances at them, their eyes filled with both surprise and doubt.

Such skin color is indeed hard to accept. Even though newborns may have darker skin, it shouldn't be this exaggerated.

Wu Yali felt suspicion coming from all sides, and her heart panicked, like a fallen leaf caught in a storm, with nowhere to settle.

"Don't look at me like that. If you don't believe me, ask the doctor." Wu Yali's voice trembled slightly, and her eyes were red, as if she might burst into tears at any moment.

She knew that her explanations at this moment seemed so pale and powerless, but the innocence and grievances in her heart surged like a tidal wave, making it difficult for her to control herself.

The atmosphere in the ward instantly became heavy and awkward, with everyone filled with doubt and unease.

Zhong Haiming, looking at all this, now needs to ask what exactly happened.

Upon seeing this, Zhong Haiming's doubts grew wildly like weeds. Unable to contain himself any longer, he quickly walked out of the ward and called the attending physician.

The doctor rushed over and, upon entering, saw the crowd gathered around the bed, their faces displaying indescribable complex expressions.

When the doctor's gaze fell on the child, a hint of confusion or perhaps sympathy seemed to flash in his eyes, which made the Zhong family even more uneasy.

"Doctor, please take a look! Is there a mistake in the registration? How could my Zhong family's child be this color?"

Zhong Haiming asked urgently, his voice pleading, as if hoping the doctor would give him a negative answer.

Upon hearing this, the doctor first checked the child's information to ensure it was correct before slowly speaking: "Mr. Zhong, rest assured, we haven't made a mistake. We have detailed video records that prove this child is indeed Ms. Wu's. As for why the skin color is so dark..." The doctor paused here, seemingly searching for the most appropriate wording, "The only explanation is a genetic mutation."

"Gene mutation?" Zhong Haiming repeated the word, his heart filled with mixed feelings, including shock and doubt.

He looked at Wu Yali, hoping to get some comfort or explanation from her.

Upon hearing the words "gene mutation," Wu Yali's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly regained her composure and seized the opportunity to chime in, "Yes, the doctor said it's a gene mutation! There are so many amazing things in the world, how can you speculate using common sense? What do you know? The doctor said it's a gene mutation!"