Noon.
The sky was gloomy, like everybody’s mood.
For his daughter’s safety, Dong Xuebing immediately went to the bank to transfer all his money into a bank account. He has around 100 million RMB, which was enough for the ransom. Money was unimportant to him, and he was willing to give whatever amount in exchange for her safety. At the same time, the Police found the public phone where Li Taibo called. It was in a secluded county in the neighboring city. Li Taibo was no longer in Fen Zhou City, and the Police immediately contacted the local Police to search for him.
Ring… ring… ring…. Dong Xuebing’s phone rang nonstop.
The first call was from Xie Huilan, and the second was from Qu Yunxuan. The third call was from his Mum, Luan Xiaoping.
Dong Xuebing was afraid to answer. He hung up the calls and switched to silent mode. He continued to look out of his windows with his fist clenched tightly.
Dong Xuebing had lost his daughter. How was he going to face Aunt Xuan and his Mum?
No matter what, he still got to face them. He clenched his teeth and went to the hospital.
Afternoon, 2 pm.
City’s First People Hospital.
Qu Yunxuan was transferred to this hospital. Dong Xuebing took a deep breath before walking into the ward.
Dong Xuebing’s mother, Qu Yunxuan, and her parents were in the word.
Qu Yunxuan’s mother saw Dong Xuebing, and she screamed at him. “What happened to Qianqian?! Tell me!”
“Mum, I….” Dong Xuebing was speechless.
Qu Yunxuan’s mother grabbed Dong Xuebing’s collar. “Say something! Where is my granddaughter?!”
Dong Xuebing clenched his teeth and said. “Qianqian was kidnapped. It was my fault. I did not protect her.”
Qu Yunxuan’s father pointed at Dong Xuebing. “Dong Xuebing! What should we do with you?”
“Qianqian is only three months old!” Qu Yunxuan’s mother pushed Dong Xuebing, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I will not forgive you if anything happens to her!”
Qu Yunxuan’s father consoled his wife. “The Police are looking for Li Taibo now, and I believe he will be arrested soon. Furthermore, he is after the ransom and will not harm Qianqian. She will be fine.”
Qu Yunxuan’s mother cried. “What did our family do to deserve this?!”
Qu Yunxuan’s father sighed. Little Qianqian had been living with them since she was born, and they were closer to her than Luan Xiaoping.
Luan Xiaoping was sitting beside Qu Yunxuan, who was lying in bed. She seemed to be sleeping.
Dong Xuebing was feeling terrible, and he walked over. “Mum, what’s wrong with Yunxuan?”
Luan Xiaoping gave Dong Xuebing a stare. “Don’t talk to me!”
“Mum….”
“Get out! I don’t have a son like you!” Luan Xiaoping shouted at Dong Xuebing. She was furious because her granddaughter was abducted.
Qu Yunxuan’s father looked at Dong Xuebing angrily. “The Police came this morning, and Yunxuan fainted when she heard Qianqian was kidnapped. She still had not regained her consciousness.”
Dong Xuebing asked nervously. “What did the Doctor say? Is she okay?”
“The doctor says she got a shock and should be fine.” Qu Yunxuan’s father replied. “Xiao Dong ah…. What were you doing? We returned to Beijing because we felt it was safe for you to take care of Qianiqian. But what have you done? How can you leave a baby at home alone?! Can you be more responsible as a father?”
Dong Xuebing had no excuses and did not know what to say. “Dad, I am sorry.”
Qu Yunxuan’s mother screamed. “You brat! You had not treated Qianqian and my daughter seriously!”
Dong Xuebing had not treated Qianqian seriously? He was concerned for the people around him and feared Li Taibo would target his family. That’s why he went to the Public Security Bureau before the sun was up to help them catch Li Taibo. He did not expect this to happen. He did not explain himself as it was too late now. Li Taibo had kidnaped Qianqian, and it was his fault.
Suddenly, the door opened.
Xie Huilan walked into the ward. “Mum, how is Yunxuan? Is she in danger?”
Luan Xiaoping looked at her. “Yunxuan is fine. Why are you back?”
“I heard about my goddaughter and took the earliest flight back.” Xie Huilan walked over to Luan Xiaoping without looking at Dong Xuebing.
Luan Xiaoping started crying. “It was my fault. If I had taken care of her, this would not happen.”
This was the first time Qu Yunxuan’s parents met Xie Huilan. Qu Yunxuan’s mother was staring at her coldly.
Xie Huilan wiped Luan Xiaoping’s tears. “Mum, don’t worry. I called the Public Security Bureau. They will do everything they can to arrest Li Taibo. Even if he manages to escape, we can also afford the ransom. Xiao Bing should have around 90 million RMB, and I will raise the rest. I still have a house. We should have enough if we sell it. We can save Qianqian.”
Luan Xiaoping waved her hand. “How can we use your money?”
Xie Huilan replied without thinking. “Qianqian is my goddaughter. This is what I should do.”
Qu Yunxuan’s parents felt better after hearing Xie Huilan’s words.
Xie Huilan turned and looked at Dong Xuebing. “How can you leave Qianqian alone and go to the Public Security Bureau after you know Li Taibo had escaped? I know you are confident in your skills and don’t think he will dare to look for you. But the unexpected happened. You are overconfident in yourself! This is not the first time I have said this, and you never learn from your lesson. It’s too late to regret it now. You can’t even look after a child. What else can you do?!”
Dong Xuebing could not retort Xie Huilan.
Xie Huilan was correct. Dong Xuebing was overconfident in himself and gave Li Taibo an opportunity.
Suddenly, Qu Yunxuan’s eyelids fluttered.
“Yunxuan is awake.” Luan Xiaoping went over. “Yunxuan… Yunxuan….”
Qu Yunxuan’s parents rushed over to check on her. “Are you okay? How are you feeling now?”
Qu Yunxuan looked at them and asked. “My baby… my baby…. Have they found my baby?” She was anxious.
Everyone kept quiet.
Qu Yunxuan got the answer, and she covered herself with the blanket. A few moments later, sobbing sounds can be heard.
Qu Yunxuan’s mother also started crying again.
Dong Xuebing felt guilty. “Yunxuan, I….”
Qu Yunxuan’s mother pushed Dong Xuebing away. “Get out! Don’t show your face in front of us if you can’t bring Qianqian back! Get out!”
Luan Xiaoping did not look at him.
Dong Xuebing did not say a word and left the ward with his head bowed. He drove out of the hospital alone.
On his way home, Dong Xuebing called the City Commission for Discipline Inspection.
Office Director Gao Wenrong answered. “Hello, Director Dong.”
“Director Gao.” Dong Xuebing said in a hoarse voice. “Something happened at home, and I might not come to work next week. I wish to apply for a long leave. I should have a few days of annual leave left.” He was thinking about his daughter and had no mood to work.
Gao Wenrong replied. “You don’t need to worry about your leave. The Leaders had heard what happened to your family and asked you to take time off work until you settle your problems. Deputy Director Luo Haiting will take over your duties when you are not around.”
Dong Xuebing nodded. “Alright. Help me thank the Leader.”
Dong Xuebing returned to his apartment after hanging up.
Dong Xuebing’s eyes were red as he looked at the empty bedroom. He stood before the baby cot for more than ten minutes before packing his luggage. He drove to a motel and booked a room. He was too ashamed to return home and stayed in a motel for a few days. His mother, Xie Huilan, and Qu Yunxuan’s parents were correct. He was to blame for what happened.
It was an ordinary motel.
Dong Xuebing threw his luggage aside and fell onto the bed. He took out his phone and looked at the pictures of him and Qianqian.
Wait for me, Qianqian….
I swear I will save you at all costs! I will bring you back!
One day passed….
Two days passed….
Three days passed….
Li Taibo did not call again, and the Police did not find any clues. He seemed to have disappeared with Qianqian.
The longer it dragged, the more dangerous it was for Qianqian.
Didn’t Li Taibo demand a ransom? Why didn’t he call?
Luan Xiaoping and Qu Yunxuan’s parents got more anxious.
