VHBF – Chapter 1 The Playboy Daddy (Part 1)

After the rain, the June sky was clear and bright.

The influential Bai family of City A had just buried their patriarch and matriarch, and now the family was in chaos.

Servants hurried to the sidelines, fearing they’d get caught in the crossfire.

In the noisy living room, men and women clad in black had barely finished sending off the deceased when they eagerly brought up the matter of adopting the family’s young daughter.

“I’m Yinyin’s second uncle. We’re the closest, so I should be the one to raise my little niece!” declared a middle-aged man with thick eyebrows and a fierce look in his eyes.

Yinyin was the Bai couple’s late-born treasure, born when they were already in their forties. The man speaking was her second cousin once removed.

Mr. Bai had no biological brothers, only three paternal cousins. When one of them spoke up, the other two chimed in as well. “We’re her uncles too. How can seniority not matter?”

The three brothers were tearing each other apart over who should get custody of the little golden treasure. The rest of the relatives glanced at each other and began quietly debating among themselves who would be the most suitable guardian.

In their heated discussion, no one even thought to ask the child what she wanted.

Everyone wanted to raise this little golden child, not because they cared for her, but because she represented the immense Bai Corporation — a conglomerate worth tens of billions. Who wouldn’t be envious?

The Bai Corporation had been built from the ground up by Mr. and Mrs. Bai. As a famed couple, they had seized the opportunity during the economic reform era. With sharp instincts and a generous nature, they had earned a stellar reputation in the business world.

Over the years, the Bai Corporation had grown steadily, and by now, it was one of the most well-known enterprises in the country — a landmark company in City A.

After the couple’s accident, relatives near and distant swarmed in like flies drawn to honey, filling the spacious Bai Villa living room wall to wall.

A few women huddled together for a while, then called over a nanny to ask, “Where’s Yinyin? Why haven’t we seen her?”

They’d been discussing for half the day without even checking where the child was. Now they ask? Isn’t it a bit late?

The nanny lowered her head and pursed her lips. Poor Miss Yinyin. She was only three years old. So pitiful.

In the back garden of the villa—

After a long search, the nanny finally found her among a flower bed.

A tiny little thing was curled up in the garden, hugging her knees, surrounded by flowers and shrubs. She was so well hidden that it was hard to spot her at all.

The nanny called gently, “Miss Yinyin?”

The little girl didn’t lift her head, keeping her tiny face buried.

The nanny’s heart ached even more. Such a small child, having lost both her parents—how could she possibly fend off those greedy wolves outside?

She softened her voice further. “Don’t be afraid. It’s Auntie Zhang.”

After a while, as she got closer, she finally heard the faint sobbing coming from behind the girl’s knees.

Zhang Yue’s heart nearly broke. Miss Yinyin was only three years old—usually sweet, clever, and well-behaved. Even though she had been doted on by her parents, she was never spoiled or arrogant. Unlike other spoiled children these days, she was considerate and gentle.

She had always cared for the staff, even as a toddler. Whenever she got treats, she’d share with them. When the weather turned cold, she’d frown and say, “Auntie, remember to wear more clothes!”

Zhang Yue didn’t dare to reach out and hug her, so she just stood beside her and tried to coax her gently. “Be good, little miss. Don’t cry.”

She was getting anxious, pacing around, but all she could say was “Don’t cry, be good.”

Yinyin finally lifted her head. Her beautiful round eyes were swollen red. She opened her mouth and, in a nasal, childish voice, cried, “I want Daddy!”

In the end, the Bai relatives got nowhere. After all the arguing, they had agreed to let Yinyin choose which family she wanted to stay with. But the nanny returned after a long while, carrying the sleeping child in her arms.

“Miss Yinyin cried herself to sleep.”

She was just a three-year-old who had lost both parents. No matter how greedy these people were, they couldn’t bring themselves to wake her up in front of everyone. That would be a disgrace.

They had no choice but to retreat, empty-handed.

But where one plan failed, another emerged. Not long after, Bai Corporation released an official statement. On the surface, it claimed that the child was too young and too sad from her parents’ passing, so the uncles and aunts wanted to host a gathering to lift her spirits and bring some life back to the mansion.

But everyone knew the real reason.

A rumor spread that the Bai family was inviting high-society figures as witnesses—so the golden child could choose her own guardian.

That way, no matter what happened in the future, no one would look bad, and the chosen family would gain both a child and a stellar reputation.

Led by Yinyin’s second uncle, the Bai relatives invited everyone of status from their social circle. The guests were happy to attend—it was a spectacle, after all. And whoever ended up with the little heiress would basically become the future master of the Bai empire.

Meanwhile, Luo Sheng had just returned from abroad.

He’d been lazing at home for two days when his good-for-nothing friends dragged him out.

“Wow, look at you! Went overseas to ‘study’ and came back like a monk? You haven’t even come out to have a drink with your bros!”

He had short, slightly curled brown hair and sharp, striking features that weren’t overly delicate. Even in his twenties, there was still a hint of youthful arrogance and rebelliousness in his expression.

He spun the glass in his hand, the chandelier above casting shimmering lights through it. Luo Sheng sneered. “The old man’s been watching me like a hawk.”

They were in a private club run by rich second-gens. It had everything—karaoke, dancing, pool tables, bowling… Even an underground gambling den.

Outside was noisy, but once the private room door closed, it was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. Luo Sheng downed his drink in one go and said, “I made a deal with the old man. Once I finish that damn MBA, he promised not to interfere with my life anymore.”

He sprawled lazily on the sofa, arms stretched along the backrest, his legs wide open, looking entirely carefree. His peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly. “Just wait. Starting tomorrow, I’m embracing a life of wine, song, and utter debauchery.”

The group of unruly friends laughed and clinked their glasses. “Congratulations, Brother Luo!”

Everyone here today had grown up messing around with Luo Sheng. They were thick as thieves—one look was enough to know what the others were thinking.

Sipping on some alcohol and lighting up cigarettes, the private room had an excellent ventilation system. Even though the air was filled with smoke, there wasn’t the slightest trace of choking odor.

Luo Sheng casually exhaled a smoke ring. “Shall we book a place for tomorrow?”

They had just agreed when someone chimed in, “Wait a sec—there’s a banquet at the Bai family tomorrow. Aren’t you guys going to join the fun?”

The others suddenly remembered and, seeing Luo Sheng was out of the loop, quickly explained, “Brother Luo, you just got back to the country two days ago and have been cooped up at home, so you probably haven’t heard.”

“Heard what?”

“You know Bai Corporation, right?”

“The chairman and his wife died in a plane crash. They had a little daughter—just a tiny thing, three years old! Actually, maybe not even three yet. I heard her birthday hasn’t come around.”

“Legally and according to the will, Bai Corporation should go to that little girl, right? But someone has to be her guardian.”

He chuckled. “The Bai family relatives are all fighting like mad over it. They’ve totally dropped their dignity in this tug-of-war for custody. Everyone’s been watching the drama unfold these past few days.”

A blond young man sat beside Luo Sheng, forked a piece of watermelon, and held it up to him with a grin. “They’re throwing some sort of party—probably to get us to act as witnesses and let the little one pick her own guardian.”

“A few of us are planning to go tomorrow, see the fuss. Check out what that golden baby looks like, and who gets lucky enough to win her favor.”

The group laughed mischievously. Scenes like this didn’t come around often, so they all said they’d go. Someone asked Luo Sheng, “You coming?”

The brown-haired youth lazily shrugged, “Sure. I’m bored anyway.”

The Bai family home was a three-story villa in white and yellow tones, with large gardens in the front and back. The front yard even had a small playground—slides, swings, everything. Clearly, the owners doted on their child.

The style of the house was cozy and delicate. Compared to the massive mansions typical in their circle, it wasn’t especially large or luxurious, but it radiated warmth. Just one look, and you could imagine how happy a family of three must’ve been living here.

Luo Sheng followed his friends in. His gaze paused briefly on a little pink swing before he strolled inside.

Relatives of the Bai family, led by Second Uncle Bai, stood at the door to greet the guests. Each person received a warm “Welcome,” with a natural air of ownership.

Luo Sheng took a few bored sips of wine, then put down his glass. “I’m heading out.”

“Aw come on, Brother Luo—the show’s just getting started!”

“Hang on, hang on—it’s about to begin!”

Second Uncle Bai, a man with somewhat fierce features, stood at the center. On the table before him was a small microphone.

“Thank you all for coming…” After the formal opening remarks, he scanned the room and exchanged looks with the other Bai family members before continuing, “My cousin and his wife are gone. We are heartbroken. But little Yinyin is only three years old. We, the remaining family, must step up for them!”

“Now, I ask all of you to bear witness. Let Yinyin choose whom she wants to live with. No one will force her.”

Nanny Zhang Yue brought out the neatly dressed young miss.

A tiny bundle in a puffy pink dress, black shoes with butterfly bows, and a small tuft of hair tied up on her head. She looked listless, her small face buried in the nanny’s arms.

Second Uncle Bai gestured for the nanny to set her down.

The little one stood on the carpet with her head hanging low. Luo Sheng remained indifferent, twirling a custom bronze lighter in his fingers.

Second Uncle Bai crouched a little, softening his tone, “Yinyin…”

“Little Yinyin, tell Second Uncle—who do you want to live with?”

This usually intimidating middle-aged man had suddenly become gentle and kind-looking. His forced warmth held a certain charm.

The other relatives couldn’t sit still. They all crowded around, ignoring the presence of outsiders.

“Yinyin, come with Third Uncle. Big Brother at our house can play with you!”

“Come with Fourth Uncle. Your cousin is only two years older—perfect playmate!”

“Yinyin, come with—”

The tiny girl’s head drooped lower, her small hands fidgeting nervously. She seemed frightened and took two steps back.

The babble of voices gradually died down. Second Uncle Bai noticed the guests’ disapproving stares and stiffened. He barked, “Everyone quiet down. Let Yinyin choose for herself.”

No one knew how much time passed before the little pink bundle finally looked up. Her eyes were slightly red. She lifted her head and looked around at the crowd like a helpless newborn beast—so pitiful and innocent.

Even a few of the men started to feel softhearted. The blond muttered, “All this fuss over money, pushing a kid like this… how ugly.”

“That’s not just some money—it’s billions!”

At the end of the day, this was a group of carefree, cold-blooded rich boys. They could sigh all they wanted, but none of them would actually step in unless it was their brother.

After their brief pity, a few even grew jealous, eyeing the desperate Bai relatives.

“Wonder who’s gonna be the lucky bastard the golden baby picks. Tsk, they’ll never have to lift a finger again in this life!”

They watched with interest.

“Can I pick anyone?” the girl asked timidly.

Second Uncle Bai beamed and looked around at the surrounding Bai family members. “Of course!”

Surrounded by people, Yinyin sniffled and looked up, searching the crowd.

And then—her gaze landed on the brown-haired man lounging on a sofa in a corner.

Her eyes lit up. Just moments ago, she had looked like a wilted flower bud, but now she was full of energy. She stretched out her chubby little hand and pointed right at the brown-haired man, about to happily call out—

The system’s voice rushed in: “You can’t call him Daddy!”

Yinyin paused. Her chubby finger still pointed stubbornly at the brown-haired man slouching on the sofa, and in a soft but righteous voice, she declared:

“I want him!”