One Birth Two Treasures: The Billionaire's Sweet Love Chapter 1 - Mistaken Identities

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

“I’m not a thief!”

In the welfare center’s dormitory, a nine-year-old girl confronted the doubtful glares of everyone around her, her eyes brimming with redness. She possessed big, teary eyes full of radiant beauty, though her thin frame betrayed the effects of poor nutrition.

Noticing the contemptuous and hostile stares directed at her, she felt utterly wronged and stammered through choked sobs, “That jade... is... It is mine! I’m... I’m not a thief! My mom left that behind for me!”

“So what you’re saying is that I stole your stuff?!” A girl of similar age stood right across from her. Cocking her head, she shot her a chilly glance before pivoting to flash an innocent smile at the other kids.

Unlike her, this girl came across as sweet and haughty, resembling a pampered little princess basking in universal adoration.

Her words had barely landed when the surrounding children jumped to her support.

“You’re obviously lying! You’re lying! Why would Rou’er steal your stuff?!”

“Right, right! That’s impossible! How is Rou’er a thief? Clearly, it’s you who stole her thing!”

Bombarded by their accusations and queries, the girl found no way to offer solid proof for her innocence. Overcome with grievance, she rubbed her eyes in anguish and dissolved into tears.

“That is really my jade! Give it back....”

Rou’er shot her a triumphant look before addressing the group, “Everyone, it’s clear! Xiaoshi is the thief! Don’t play with her anymore! Thieves are bad!”

A bunch of kids nodded enthusiastically. “Uh-huh! Let’s listen to Princess Rou’er! Ignore her in future! She’s a thief!”

“She’s a thief! Xiaoshi is a bad girl! Stealing Rou’er’s thing, shame on you!”

Bursting into loud laughter, the children scattered. By herself now, the girl pressed against the wall. She swallowed her tears while staring at the others’ retreating figures, her fists clenched hard.

***

A line of black-suited men stood rigidly outside the director’s office.

On a sofa sat a vigorous old man over fifty, his face stern. His traditional Chinese attire amplified his dignified presence, while shadows under his brows hinted at simmering rage.

Though age had weathered his looks a bit, his striking features still evoked memories of his dashing youth.

The director entered with a stack of files, presented them cautiously to the old man, and said respectfully, “Mr. Mu, here’s info on all kids admitted to the welfare center last year. Please take a look.”

The old man took the files, flipped through a few, and frowned. His assistant noticed and smiled at the director while asking, “We’re looking for a child around eight or nine. Among last year’s admits, how many match that age?”

The director pondered briefly and replied promptly, “One moment, please.”

As the old man kept browsing the papers, his gaze locked on a family photo. Abruptly, he pointed. “Bring this girl to me.”

Stunned for a second, the director nodded quickly. “Got it! I’ll have her here right away!”

He dialed a number, and shortly, a teacher escorted a girl inside.

Rou’er positioned herself neatly before the old man, hands behind her back and chest out. Beaming widely, she chirped, “Grandpa, nice to meet you! I’m Rou’er.”

The old man regarded her blankly, scrutinizing every detail of her face. His eyes gradually narrowed into a dark, brooding stare.

Rou’er furrowed her brows in curiosity. The man’s intimidating expression and rigid posture scared her a little. As she stepped back, he beckoned her forward.

“Come! Let grandpa take a good look at you!”

“... Okay.” Rou’er advanced tentatively. The old man grasped her shoulders softly and studied her closely. Even with the right age, her looks and features didn’t match that person’s at all.

His gaze drifted down to the jade hanging at her collarbone. Lifting it gently, the old man murmured, “This jade...”

Rou’er froze briefly, then smiled brightly. “This jade was given to me by my mother.”

The old man’s eyes tightened slightly. His assistant caught on fast, pulling another jade piece from a briefcase and handing it over.

When placed together, the two jades matched seamlessly.

The old man’s hands trembled faintly. Seeing this, the assistant approached the director, whispered something, then drew a hefty check from the briefcase and gave it to him. The director took it grinning.

Sleek black luxury cars waited at the welfare center’s gate.

From afar, a forlorn girl scaled the black iron fence, her eyes vacant as she watched Rou’er trail the suited men into a stretched Bentley.

As the car doors shut, Rou’er cast a icy glance her way.

Their eyes met by chance. Rou’er smirked cunningly at her just before the windows rose and the convoy sped away.

In this way, the paths of two young girls diverged dramatically.