The internet was in an uproar due to Du Ruo's appearance and confession.
"I really disliked her at first, thinking she wasn't fit to be a mother. But now, there are so many hidden details."
"Thinking of how adorable Nuan Nuan is, yet abandoned in an orphanage since childhood, breaks my heart. But knowing the full story, I suddenly forgive her."
"A mother's heart is compassionate towards all children; it's all for the sake of her child."
"I initially thought she was just putting on a show, but those photos are undeniable. They show her from infancy until Nuan Nuan could walk and run."
"Night Brother, please take a look! Although her initial actions were wrong, she is the child's mother!"
"A mother's bond! I think the child should meet her mother. What child doesn't want a mother? Even with all the fatherly love you can provide, it's not the same!"
"Are you all crazy? Du Ruo's actions are illegal. She stole sperm to have a child, and the Ye family not suing her is already an act of utmost benevolence."
"She was wrong at first, but she said in the video that she's willing to take responsibility for her mistakes! Everyone deserves a chance to correct themselves. She's just a mother now."
"Are you not thinking? If she couldn't afford to raise the child, why didn't she give her to the Ye family? Instead, she put her in a welfare home. Truly loving her child would have meant handing her over to the Ye family, which would have been best for her. Have you all lost your minds? Crying a few times and you can't think anymore?"
"The person upstairs, I have the same question."
"She's probably afraid! Afraid of the Ye family pursuing her, and worried she'd never see her daughter again if she sent her back."
"Exactly! Isn't she seeking help online now because she can't see her daughter?"
"I'm impressed by all of you. If the Ye family really intends to do something, what can we do even if we curse them to death?"
"That's not necessarily true. Public opinion is very important, and Young Master Ye is also involved in politics. If this is mishandled, it could affect his public image."
The online sentiment wasn't entirely one-sided, but a vast majority felt Du Ruo's actions were understandable and hoped for the mother and daughter to reunite. Only a few voices of reason remained, but they were quickly drowned out by the flood of other comments.
Ye Jingming was scrolling through the posts on his phone, his smile growing wider.
"Her objective has been achieved. She chose to appear during your live broadcast and used extreme measures to snatch the child, attracting everyone's attention. Then, she released this video online, allowing it to spread rapidly, especially since she had 'sufficient evidence'."
"I'm rather curious, how did she manage to meticulously plan this step-by-step? Did she have a brain transplant from the time she foolishly thought she could become a phoenix by stealing sperm to have a child?"
Ye Jingming spoke as he looked at everyone with an unfathomable expression, finally settling his gaze on Ye Jinghuai.
"I'll have someone investigate immediately," Ye Jinghuai frowned.
"Perhaps it would be better if I arranged for someone to investigate. It would be more convenient for someone within the system to handle such matters," Ye Jingshen offered.
"Daddy~ Nuan Nuan only wants Daddy. Nuan Nuan wants to be with Daddy forever," Nuan Nuan suddenly said, hugging Ye Jinghuai.
"Daddy will always be by Nuan Nuan's side," Ye Jinghuai gently stroked Nuan Nuan's adorable little face.
"Oh, my precious darling, you're so lovable," Liu Ruhua's eyes welled up with emotion.
"That heartless woman! Nuan Nuan is so good! How could she use my darling like this? Son, I'm telling you, you must not let her off easily."
"Your mother is right. Before, we thought of her as having given us a treasure for the Ye family. We even considered giving her some money if she came to us privately. But now that she's done this, I will not allow her to gain even an iota of benefit."
Ye Jianming sat nearby, speaking with conviction, his eyes flashing with sharp brilliance.
"Mom and Dad, you don't need to worry. We brothers will handle this," Ye Jingshen, as the eldest, stepped forward to declare their stance.
"We've made Mom and Dad worry. We will handle this properly and won't let Nuan Nuan suffer any grievances," Ye Jinghuai added apologetically to his parents.
"Good. You are all capable of handling things independently. Your mother and I have no concerns. We'll have dinner together later, and everyone will stay at the old house tonight!" Ye Jianming said, then walked out with his hands behind his back.
"It's rare for everyone to be here today. Mom will go check on dinner. Let's all have a lively meal tonight," Liu Ruhua stood up and headed towards the kitchen.
And Du Ruo? She was already in the capital. Her actions were exactly as Ye Jingming had analyzed.
She had regretted her decision as soon as Nuan Nuan was first exposed online and the Ye Corporation publicly acknowledged her identity.
She had never expected a mere girl to be so valued by the Ye family, even to the point of becoming their heir.
If she had known this would happen, she would have kept the child by her side all along, instead of sending her to an orphanage because she didn't want the burden of raising a girl.
She had indeed returned to her hometown at the time, but later she secretly lived near the orphanage for a period. She thought that even if it was her daughter, she wasn't entirely without value.
Those photos were indeed taken by her. But her purpose in taking them was to secure a substantial sum if the Ye family ever decided to take the child back. She didn't intend to marry into the Ye family; if it had been a son back then, she had indeed considered it.
Her initial plan was to wait near the orphanage and observe the situation. If the Ye family discovered the child's existence, she would then feign nurturing a bond with the child for a few days.
This way, she wouldn't have to raise the child herself, and the Ye family, out of consideration for the child, wouldn't treat her too poorly.
In the beginning, she would secretly visit the orphanage every so often to take some token photos. After more than a year passed and she realized the Ye family had no reaction, she assumed the child was useless and left.
However, the Ye family's reaction was too sudden and too swift. The child was taken away after she had already given up. Upon returning to the Ye family, she could no longer get close to Nuan Nuan.
She had originally planned to just show up at their doorstep.
But Nuan Nuan participated in a variety show that was broadcast live. Seeing the city Nuan Nuan was in from the broadcast, she rushed to find her during the second episode. Unfortunately, she still couldn't meet her.
It wasn't until the third episode, when the production crew went to a town, that she finally encountered her. Coincidentally, she had been staying in the town, waiting for an opportunity, and had managed to meet her.
She was truly grateful to the person who gave her the idea. The current situation was far better than her own plans. She could not only get money but also leverage the child to gain benefits from the Ye family continuously in the future.
When Nuan Nuan grew up, she would also have the obligation to support her mother.
Being supported by the heir of the Ye Corporation, her good life was just around the corner.
Du Ruo's face broke into a triumphant smile as she thought about it.