Chapter 124: Who Gave You the Right

Si Nan ignored Cheng Yishu’s questioning and explained, "I originally thought my father had sent people to take Xiao Wen back to Hong Kong... Surely everyone here is aware of the situation regarding Xiao Wen and my brother?"

Chen Kai, that old fox, had already investigated Lin Xiaowen’s affairs thoroughly since they involved his own artist. At this moment, he simply stood his ground with his eyes cast downward, remaining silent.

If Su Nian had previously been ignorant of Lin Xiaowen’s past, her recent efforts alongside Xu Ningning to worry over and support Lin Xiaowen and her daughter meant she had learned the general gist from Xu Ningning.

Only Da Lingzi looked at the group in utter confusion, wisely keeping her mouth shut.

"Stop with the nonsense! What exactly are you trying to say?" Cheng Yishu demanded urgently.

Could it really have been Si Nan’s father who orchestrated this? If not, why did Si Nan seem so unperturbed? Come to think of it, shouldn’t Si Nan be just as worried about Lin Xiaowen’s disappearance?

Si Nan sighed slowly and said, "After that phone call ended, I immediately contacted the family estate in Hong Kong. After persistent questioning, I can at least be relieved that my father did not issue any such order."

Cheng Yishu suddenly snorted, his expression incredulous. "Relieved? We don't have a single lead, and you say you're relieved?"

Si Nan’s face darkened as he looked up at Cheng Yishu. "Believe me, wherever Xiao Wen is, she is far safer than she would be in my father’s hands."

Su Nian was stunned, her expression full of bewilderment. Chen Kai and Da Lingzi were equally confused; they all assumed that even if the old man didn't want to acknowledge Lin Xiaowen and her daughter, he wouldn't go so far as to truly harm Xiao Wen—not to mention there was still his own granddaughter, Ranran.

Cheng Yishu asked coldly, "Why say that? Even if Xiao Wen didn't stop Si Dong from rushing into the fire back then, that’s no reason to hold her solely responsible for his death!"

A flash of irritation crossed Si Nan’s eyes, which were as deep as a stagnant pool. Cheng Yishu met his gaze without backing down. After nearly half a minute, it was clear that Si Nan was suppressing his agitation as he spoke:

"I have always kept Xiao Wen and Ranran under my protection, not because I wanted to deprive them of their freedom. When my father forbade Xiao Wen from giving birth to the child, it wasn't just because he refused to accept the woman who indirectly caused his son’s death; there was a far greater reason..."

Si Nan paused before continuing, "In our Manchu lineage, we have ancestral customs regarding a widow following her husband to the grave, especially when he dies young and leaves behind children..."

"That's bullshit!" Cheng Yishu panicked, a chill running down his spine as he interrupted. "What century do you think this is? Do you think the Si family is still in the Qing Dynasty? Treating human life like dirt—do you really think you can get away with this?"

Su Nian and the others were also shocked by this revelation.

Si Nan raised his voice. "That is exactly why I said that Xiao Wen being away from my father is the safest thing for her! Conversely, if the people who kidnapped her only want money, as the phone call suggested, then things are much simpler."

Si Nan stood up elegantly and moved to face Cheng Yishu again. "To be safe, I have already sent people on a flight back to Hong Kong, and I have prepared the twenty million in ransom the kidnappers demanded. As soon as they provide the meeting location, I can bring Xiao Wen back safely."

"No!" Before Cheng Yishu could react, Su Nian stepped forward. "There is no guarantee that they will return Xiao Wen unharmed just because you give them the money."

Su Nian had more authority on these underworld matters than anyone else present. She did not believe this was a situation that could be resolved simply by paying off the kidnappers.

"Don't worry," Si Nan said, glancing at Su Nian. He suddenly remembered what Xia Bin had told him—that someone had once proposed to Lin Xiaowen...

With his thoughts racing, Si Nan continued, "I said I only want them to ensure Xiao Wen’s safety. As for the rest, I will not pursue it, and I certainly will not call the police."

"Call the police?" Cheng Yishu seemed to wake from a dream. The next moment, he reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone, and frantically began to dial.

"What are you doing?" Si Nan’s reflexes were swift; he slapped the phone out of Cheng Yishu’s hand, the device hitting the floor with a sharp *clack*.

"What am I doing? I should be asking you what *you* are doing!" Cheng Yishu roared. "This is kidnapping and extortion—a criminal case! If we pay the money without involving the police, they will..." He couldn't bring himself to finish the thought. His eyes red-rimmed, he stubbornly turned to find someone else’s phone to make the call.

"Calm down! If you involve the police and the kidnappers get even the slightest hint, Xiao Wen’s life will be in grave danger!" Si Nan shouted at him.

Cheng Yishu froze. He had seen countless versions of such scenes in movies, and the success rate of police rescue operations was a toss-up.

"...No, I believe in the Chinese police."

After a long period of contemplation, Cheng Yishu turned back, looking at Si Nan with a calm, solemn expression. "Times have changed. I believe the police will help us bring her back safely."

The strength of the Chinese police force had improved by leaps and bounds. This was a conclusion Cheng Yishu had drawn after undergoing militarized training for his film, a sentiment stemming from his awareness of China’s military fortification and his trust in Chinese soldiers.

"Don't think that just because you played a police officer on screen, you are actually a hero. If your recklessness leads to Xiao Wen’s death, you will be the one responsible!" Si Nan stared at Cheng Yishu, emphasizing every word.

"I think we can discuss how to ensure this is foolproof," Chen Kai suggested, feeling that it was the right moment for him to mediate—communication was his specialty, after all.

"And who is this?"

Leaning on a cane and requiring assistance to stand, the man looked 'amiable,' though in Si Nan’s eyes, he was clearly 'shrewd.'

"Mr. Si, hello. I am Chen Kai from Star Entertainment... I’m also Yishu’s manager. We’ve met once before, actually," Chen Kai said, stepping forward with a smile.

Da Lingzi had no choice but to follow the mobility-impaired Chen Kai, though she dared not look at Si Nan. Everyone talked about how 'domineering CEOs' were all the rage and how girls loved them, but this Mr. Si felt chillingly gloomy.

Si Nan had no intention of wasting breath on unimportant people. "I will say this one more time: no police. I am taking full responsibility for this matter."

"By what right do you take responsibility? Who are you, and who gave you that authority?" Cheng Yishu glared at him.

"By the right that Lin Xiaowen is part of the Si family, and Ranran is my niece!" Si Nan retorted, locking eyes with Cheng Yishu.

"Ranran is your niece, that’s true, but Xiao Wen has absolutely nothing to do with the Si family!" Cheng Yishu countered with renewed vigor.

"Fine. We can settle the details of this matter after I bring Xiao Wen back. But since you asked why I have the right to call the shots, let me analyze that for you," Si Nan said, his lips curling into a faint, cold smile. "First, Xiao Wen came all the way from Shanghai to Yunnan to find you; why didn't you take proper care of her, leaving her in such a dangerous position? Second, why didn't the kidnappers contact you after taking her, but instead called me for the ransom?"

Seeing Cheng Yishu’s expression grow increasingly rigid, Si Nan felt a dark sense of satisfaction and pressed on. "Have you never thought about why that might be?"