Chapter 7

After Song Zhenhong was taken away, the Song family was thrown into complete chaos. Upon hearing the news, shareholders in the company withdrew their investments, fearing implication. The media, like sharks smelling blood, sensationalized the story, with newspapers, television, and the internet flooded with reports of Song Zhenhong's alleged murder and embezzlement. The Song family suddenly became the target of public criticism. Song Mingye was overwhelmed, juggling the company's mess, appeasing the remaining employees and partners, and constantly monitoring Song Linchuan's emotions, fearing further harm from the rumors. He barely had time to sleep.

Knowing Song Mingye's hardships, Song Linchuan took the initiative to take on all the household chores. Every morning, before dawn, he would quietly get up to prepare a nutritious breakfast for Song Mingye, then clean the house and do the laundry. In the evening, when Song Mingye dragged his tired body home from work, he would always find a table full of steaming food and the boy's gentle smile. This simple and pure warmth, like a ray of light, illuminated Song Mingye's weary heart, making him feel that all the hard work was worthwhile.

That evening, Song Mingye returned home from work. As soon as he opened the door, he was greeted by the rich aroma of food. The living room was warmly lit, and Song Linchuan, wearing an apron, was busy in the kitchen. Her small figure moved back and forth in front of the stove, focused and attentive. Xiaobai, the white puppy they had recently adopted, was squatting at the kitchen doorway, wagging its tail and occasionally looking up at Song Linchuan, letting out soft whimpers, as if it were begging for affection.

"Achuan, I'm back." Song Mingye changed his shoes, walked into the kitchen, and gently wrapped his arms around Song Linchuan's waist from behind. The boy's waist was very slender, and through the thin apron, one could clearly feel his warm skin.

Song Linchuan was startled, but quickly relaxed, turned around and smiled at him, his eyes sparkling like stars. "Brother, you're back? Go wash your hands, dinner's almost ready."

Song Mingye lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on the boy's forehead. The faint fragrance of the boy and the aroma of food lingered in his nostrils, and his heart softened. "Thank you for your hard work, A-Chuan."

"It's not hard work at all." Song Linchuan shook his head, a sweet smile appearing on his lips. The beauty mark at the corner of his right eye trembled slightly with his smile, revealing a touch of naivety. "I'm very happy to be able to cook for you, brother."

At dinner, Song Mingye felt a warm glow inside as he looked at the table full of his favorite dishes. Song Linchuan kept putting food on his plate, acting like a little housekeeper, urging him to eat more. Meanwhile, Xiao Bai lay under the table, occasionally rubbing its little head against Song Mingye's trouser leg, begging for some food.

"Brother, how are things going at the company?" Song Linchuan asked softly as he fed Xiaobai a piece of meat, a hint of worry in his eyes.

Song Mingye put down his chopsticks, took his hand, and said gently, "Don't worry, the hardest part is over." He gently stroked the boy's slightly cool hand with his fingertips, his tone filled with undisguised weariness, yet also with a reassuring strength. "I found the key evidence of the embezzlement of public funds, and I've also reached an agreement with several core partners. They are willing to give the Song family another chance. I've also borrowed money from friends to cover most of the hole left by the shareholders withdrawing their investment."

Song Linchuan's eyes lit up, and he tightened his grip on Song Mingye's hand: "Really? That's great!" But then he frowned, looking at the dark circles under Song Mingye's eyes with concern, "Brother, did you stay up late again? Your dark circles are so heavy."

As he spoke, he reached out to touch Song Mingye's eye, but Song Mingye gently pressed his fingertips down just as his fingertips were about to touch it. Song Mingye then brought his hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on it, his voice low and tender: "It's okay, once the company is completely stable, you can get some rest."

"But you can't push yourself like that," Song Linchuan pouted, her tone slightly reproachful. "Your health is your most important asset. What will I do if you collapse from exhaustion?"

Song Mingye's heart felt as if it had been gently bumped by something, warm and burning. He stood up, walked to Song Linchuan's side, pulled him into his arms, rested his chin on the top of his head, and said in a voice so gentle it could melt water: "Silly boy, I'll be fine. For you, I'll take good care of myself."

Song Linchuan leaned against him, listening to his strong heartbeat, and his heart gradually calmed down. He raised his hand and gently hugged Song Mingye's waist, burying his face in his chest, greedily inhaling his scent. The living room was softly lit, the aroma of food had not yet dissipated, and Xiaobai lay quietly to the side, filling the whole room with a warm atmosphere.

But this warmth didn't last long. A few days later, Song Mingye was in a company meeting, discussing how to restore the company's reputation, when his assistant suddenly rushed in, looking grave, and said, "Mr. Song, something bad has happened. There are a lot of reporters outside, and some people claiming to be relatives of Song Zhenhong's victims. They're blocking the company entrance, demanding an explanation from you."

Song Mingye frowned instantly. He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "I understand. I'll go out and take a look."

He straightened his suit and strode out of the conference room. As soon as he reached the company lobby, he heard a commotion outside: the clicking of reporters' cameras, the shouts of some people, and cries.

"Song Mingye, your father committed murder and embezzled public funds. You must give us an explanation!"

"That's right, your Song family is a bunch of devils! Give us back our money right now!"

"Mr. Song, how has your father's situation affected your company's operations? How do you plan to compensate the victims for their losses?"

Song Mingye walked to the door, remaining calm despite being surrounded and questioned by reporters. He raised his hand to signal for silence and said in a steady voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, regarding my father's case, the police are still investigating, and I believe the law will deliver a fair judgment. As for the company's operations, although they have been affected to some extent, we have taken corresponding measures to ensure the company can operate normally. To those who have suffered losses because of my father's actions, I apologize here and promise that the Song family will take full responsibility for any verified losses."

No sooner had he finished speaking than someone in the crowd shouted, "Take full responsibility? Easier said than done! Your father embezzled so much money, and now the company is almost bankrupt. How are you going to take responsibility?"

"That's right, we don't believe you. You must give us a concrete solution today!"

The scene immediately descended into chaos again, with reporters swarming around Song Mingye, completely surrounding him. Song Mingye's assistant tried to intervene but was pushed aside by the reporters.

Just then, Song Mingye's phone rang. It was a call from home. His heart tightened, and he quickly answered the phone. On the other end, Song Linchuan's voice came through, trembling with tears: "Brother, please come back quickly. There are so many reporters at home. They've blocked the door. I'm so scared."

Song Mingye's heart clenched instantly. He said urgently into the phone, "Achuan, don't be afraid, I'm coming back right away! Lock the door and don't open it. Wait for me to come back!"

After hanging up the phone, Song Mingye no longer cared about dealing with the reporters. He pushed through the crowd and ran quickly towards the parking lot. All the way, he was extremely anxious, fearing that Song Linchuan would be harmed.

When he arrived home, he found his doorstep surrounded by reporters who were banging on the door and shouting questions. Song Mingye rushed over, stood in the doorway, and angrily shouted at the reporters, "Get out of my way! This is a private residence, and you've violated our right to privacy!"

When the reporters saw Song Mingye return, they swarmed around him again, wanting to continue asking questions. Song Mingye tried to protect the door while dealing with the reporters, and the scene was quite chaotic.

Just then, the door suddenly opened a crack, and Song Linchuan peeked out, his eyes filled with fear and unease: "Brother..."

When Song Mingye saw him, his heart ached, and he quickly said, "Achuan, go inside quickly and close the door!"

But it was too late. Several reporters spotted Song Linchuan and rushed over to take pictures. Song Mingye reacted quickly, pulling Song Linchuan inside and closing the door to keep the reporters out.

"Brother, I'm so scared." Song Linchuan threw himself into Song Mingye's arms, his body trembling uncontrollably.

Song Mingye hugged him tightly, gently patted his back, and comforted him, "Don't be afraid, Achuan, I'm here, no one can hurt you."

Looking at Song Linchuan's pale face, he felt both angry and heartbroken. These reporters, for the sake of a story, had actually followed him home, frightening A-Chuan. He secretly vowed to resolve the company's issues as soon as possible, so that A-Chuan could return to a stable life.

In the following days, Song Mingye became even busier. He not only had to handle company affairs but also deal with the reporters' relentless pursuit, while also soothing Song Linchuan's emotions. Song Linchuan also became exceptionally sensible. He no longer clung to Song Mingye as before but quietly took care of everything at home so that Song Mingye could work without any worries.

That evening, Song Mingye returned home exceptionally late. He pushed open the door and saw that the living room light was still on. Song Linchuan was sitting on the sofa, holding Xiaobai, staring blankly at the doorway.

"Achuan, why aren't you asleep yet?" Song Mingye walked over and patted his head.

Song Linchuan snapped out of his daze, and when he saw it was him, his eyes immediately lit up: "Brother, you're back. I'll wait for you to sleep together."

Song Mingye felt a warmth in his heart, sat down beside him, and pulled him into his arms: "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting so long."

"It's okay." Song Linchuan shook his head and leaned on his shoulder. "Brother, I saw the news today. It says your company's situation has gotten worse again. Is that true?"

Song Mingye paused for a moment, then sighed softly: "Yes, a few partners have suddenly backed out and are no longer willing to cooperate with us. But don't worry, I'll find a way to resolve this."

Song Linchuan looked up at him, his eyes filled with determination: "Brother, no matter what happens, I will be with you. Let's cheer each other on, and we will definitely get through this."

Seeing his earnest expression, Song Mingye was deeply moved. He lowered his head and gently kissed him on the lips, saying softly, "Okay, let's do our best together."

It was late at night. Song Mingye lay in bed, looking at Song Linchuan sleeping soundly beside him, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but as long as A-Chuan was by his side, he would have the courage to face anything.

A few days later, Song Mingye was studying a document in his office when his phone suddenly rang. It was an unfamiliar number. He hesitated for a moment, but answered it anyway.

"Hello, is this Mr. Song Mingye?" A deep male voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Yes, that's me. May I ask who you are?" Song Mingye asked.

“I am Attorney Li, your father Song Zhenhong’s defense attorney,” the other party said. “There are some new developments in your father’s case that I would like to discuss with you.”

Song Mingye's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly said, "Okay, where shall we meet?"

“Just stay in my office, the address is…” Attorney Li gave an address.

After hanging up the phone, Song Mingye's feelings became very complicated. He didn't know what Attorney Li wanted to talk to him about—whether it was about new evidence in his father's case, or something else entirely.

He gave instructions to his assistant and then drove to Attorney Li's office.

When Song Mingye arrived at Attorney Li's office, he saw Attorney Li sitting at his desk, looking at a document with a serious expression.

"Attorney Li, what brings you here?" Song Mingye walked over and sat down opposite him.

Attorney Li looked up at him and then pushed the document in front of him: "Mr. Song, this is some evidence we recently found that may be helpful to your father's case."

Song Mingye picked up the document and began to examine it carefully. The document contained bank transfer records and chat logs, which seemed to prove that his father had not embezzled public funds, but had been framed.

He felt a surge of excitement and quickly asked, "Attorney Li, is this evidence genuine? If so, can my father be exonerated?"

Attorney Li nodded: "This evidence appears to be genuine, but it still needs further verification. However, with this evidence, the chances of your father winning the case have greatly increased."

Song Mingye was filled with hope, and he quickly said, "Attorney Li, please verify this evidence as soon as possible and do your best to clear my father's name."

“Don’t worry, Mr. Song, I will do my best,” Attorney Li said. “However, there is one more thing I need to remind you of. This evidence involves a very powerful person, and you may encounter some trouble in the future, so you should be more careful.”

Song Mingye frowned: "Attorney Li, are you telling the truth? Who is that person?"

Attorney Li shook his head: "It's not certain yet, but we are investigating. You must be careful recently and try not to go out alone."

Song Mingye nodded: "I understand, thank you, Attorney Li."

Leaving Attorney Li's office, Song Mingye remained deeply troubled. He hadn't expected his father's case to involve such a complex web of issues, potentially even putting him in danger. But he wasn't afraid; he was willing to pay any price to clear his father's name.

He drove home and saw Song Linchuan busy in the kitchen. He went over, hugged him from behind, and buried his face in the top of his head.

"Brother, you're back? What's wrong? You don't seem happy." Song Linchuan sensed that something was wrong with him and quickly asked.

Song Mingye looked up at him and forced a smile: "It's nothing, I just ran into some trouble. Achuan, I might be busier in the future, so please be careful when you're home alone and don't open the door to strangers."

Song Linchuan nodded: "I understand, brother. You should also be careful and not overwork yourself."

Song Mingye hugged him tightly, secretly vowing to protect Achuan and prevent him from getting hurt.

In the days that followed, Song Mingye handled company affairs while keeping a close eye on his father's case. Good news also came from Attorney Li: the evidence had been verified, confirming that Song Zhenhong had indeed been framed.

In court, Attorney Li presented this evidence, and although the opposing lawyer vehemently refuted it, they ultimately failed to overturn it. The court ultimately acquitted Song Zhenhong.

When Song Mingye received a call from Attorney Li informing him that his father had been acquitted, he was so excited he almost cried. He immediately drove to the detention center to pick up his father.

When Song Mingye arrived at the entrance of the detention center, he saw his father standing there. His hair had turned much whiter and his face was covered with wrinkles, making him look much older.

"Dad!" Song Mingye called out and quickly walked over.

When Song Zhenhong saw him, tears welled up in his eyes: "Mingye, I'm so sorry you've suffered."

"Dad, it's alright, it's alright." Song Mingye supported him, his voice choked with emotion.

The father and son embraced and wept, all their grievances and hardships vanishing in that moment.

Upon returning home, Song Linchuan saw Song Zhenhong and quickly went up to him, politely greeting him, "Hello, Uncle."

Song Zhenhong looked at Song Linchuan with a relieved smile: "You must be Achuan? Thank you for taking care of Mingye these past few days."

"It's no trouble at all, Uncle." Song Linchuan shook his head and smiled.

That evening, Song Mingye prepared a sumptuous meal to celebrate his father's safe return. At the dinner table, Song Zhenhong looked at Song Mingye and Song Linchuan, his heart filled with guilt and gratitude. He knew that his accident had caused his two children a great deal of trouble.

"Mingye, Achuan, I'm sorry to have made you suffer," Song Zhenhong said, picking up his wine glass.

"Dad, let's not talk about the past anymore. Let's live a good life from now on," Song Mingye said.

Song Linchuan nodded: "Yes, Uncle, let's all stay together as a family from now on."

Song Zhenhong nodded with satisfaction and drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.

In the days that followed, the Song family gradually returned to its former peace. Although Song Zhenhong was acquitted, he had no desire to manage the company anymore and handed it over to Song Mingye. Through his abilities and hard work, Song Mingye gradually led the company out of its predicament and restored its former glory.

Song Linchuan returned to school to continue his studies. His relationship with Song Mingye deepened, and after weathering many storms together, they cherished each other even more.

That afternoon, Song Mingye left work early to pick up Song Linchuan from school. He stood at the school gate, watching the students coming and going, a gentle smile on his face.

A moment later, Song Linchuan came out of the school. When he saw Song Mingye, his eyes lit up, and he quickly ran over: "Brother, what brings you here?"

"I've come to pick you up from school," Song Mingye said with a smile, reaching out to ruffle his hair.

"Great!" Song Linchuan said happily, taking Song Mingye's hand. "Brother, where are we going to eat today?"

"What would you like to eat?" Song Mingye asked.

"I want to eat your sweet and sour pork ribs," Song Linchuan said, his eyes filled with anticipation.

“Okay, let’s go home and make it now,” Song Mingye said with a smile.

As the sun set, it cast long shadows of the two of them. Hand in hand, they walked slowly home, their faces beaming with happiness.

Life is like a thorny path, but as long as they have each other by their side, they will surely find a way to happiness through the thorns. The thorns under the warm sun, though painful, have witnessed their growth and love. The road ahead is long, but they believe that as long as they hold hands, they will overcome all difficulties and usher in a brighter tomorrow.