Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1257 - 1232: Finding a Companion for the Little Bear

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Previously on Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group...
Ye Chen visits Little Jing, who is delighted to see him and playfully tries to set him up with Zhou Susu. While Zhou Susu steps away to speak with a police officer, Ye Chen gives Little Jing a small bear, which seems to trigger a flicker of memory and sadness in the girl. Ye Chen realizes that these gentle prompts might help Little Jing recall the events surrounding her trauma.

Little Jing, clutching her teddy bear, wore a pensive look.

Knowing that she must have recollected something, Ye Chen offered a gentle smile and proposed, "Little Jing, this teddy bear is feeling quite lonely. Shall we find it a friend?"

His intention behind this suggestion was to prompt Little Jing into revealing the teddy bear's origin.

Upon hearing Ye Chen's idea, Little Jing initially nodded, then promptly shook her head.

Ye Chen found himself puzzled by her contradictory response.

Seemingly understanding Ye Chen's curiosity, Little Jing held the teddy bear tighter and gestured around the room with it, shaking her head again to signify that no suitable companions were present.

Observing the girl's actions, Ye Chen grasped her meaning and inquired, "So, if there are no friends here, where can we find some for the teddy bear? It really wishes for a playmate."

Little Jing remained silent for a spell, making no further gestures. She appeared to be engrossed in deep thought.

Ye Chen patiently refrained from interrupting, choosing instead to quietly observe the young girl.

He understood that he couldn't pressure Little Jing; her memories needed to resurface gradually, lest it yield an adverse outcome.

Several minutes later, Little Jing's face suddenly lit up with a joyful smile. Still cradling the teddy bear, she took Ye Chen's hand and led him out of the room.

Both Zhou Susu and Officer Zhang were taken aback when they saw the pair emerge.

"What transpired?" Zhou Susu inquired, looking towards Ye Chen.

Ye Chen remained silent, allowing Little Jing to guide their path.

Little Jing retrieved some paper and a pencil from the living room and began to sketch.

Although a child of Little Jing's age might have a limited vocabulary, drawing simple images was certainly within her capabilities.

She presented the finished drawing to Ye Chen, by which time Zhou Susu and Officer Zhang had joined them.

They could discern that the drawing represented a house.

Zhou Susu, a look of bewilderment on her face, asked Ye Chen, "Ye Chen, what does this signify?"

She couldn't fathom why Little Jing had suddenly decided to draw, particularly a house. Was she experiencing homesickness?

"Susu, you need to take Little Jing and me to her former residence now," Ye Chen instructed, looking at Zhou Susu.

"But it's far too unsafe. If the perpetrator discovers Little Jing has left police protection, they will undoubtedly attempt to harm her," Zhou Susu whispered into Ye Chen's ear.

She was concerned that Little Jing might overhear and become distressed.

"It's alright, don't worry. I can ensure Little Jing's safety, especially with both you and this young officer present to protect her as well," Ye Chen stated with confidence.

"I can take you there, but you must provide a reason," Zhou Susu insisted.

"There's no time at the moment. I will explain once we arrive," Ye Chen replied, offering no further clarification to Zhou Susu.

Zhou Susu harbored some apprehension. Would returning to her old home potentially trigger distressing memories for Little Jing?

Little Jing's condition had shown marked improvement over the preceding days. Such an event would be akin to reopening a healed wound, a prospect too cruel for the child.

However, given Ye Chen's insistence on going, he must have had his reasons.

"Ye Chen, can't we go by ourselves? Does Little Jing absolutely have to accompany us?" Zhou Susu questioned, frowning.

"That's correct. Little Jing is vital; she must come with us," Ye Chen asserted firmly.

Ye Chen understood Zhou Susu's concerns. He too considered the potential cruelty to Little Jing, but constant avoidance was not beneficial; facing it directly was preferable.

Little Jing would have to grow up eventually. If this trauma and shadow remained within her heart from childhood without timely help, it could impact her entire life.

Witnessing Ye Chen's resolve, Zhou Susu had little choice but to acquiesce.

"Little Jing, you haven't been home in many days. How about we take you to visit your home?" Zhou Susu approached Little Jing with a smile.

Upon hearing the word 'home,' Little Jing's expression soured, and she quickly retreated back into the room.

Zhou Susu understood precisely what Little Jing feared.

"Ye Chen, Little Jing doesn't want to go back home. That place represents her pain; it's simply too harsh for her," Zhou Susu conveyed to Ye Chen, her voice laced with worry.

Ye Chen realized he couldn't force Little Jing; he needed to prepare her mentally first.

"Susu, rest assured, leave this to me," Ye Chen comforted Zhou Susu.

Despite Ye Chen's reassurances, Zhou Susu remained uneasy, aware of the significant challenge in persuading Little Jing to return.

This presented a formidable undertaking for everyone involved.

Ye Chen entered the room and addressed Little Jing, "Little Jing, did I see correctly that you drew a house?"

Little Jing remained expressionless and motionless.

Ye Chen recognized that Little Jing was currently overcome with dread, likely recalling that night's horrific events upon hearing the word 'home'.

This reaction did not come as a surprise to Ye Chen; it was precisely what he had anticipated.

"If I'm not mistaken, that should be your residence, correct? Since the teddy bear has companions waiting there, let's go find them. Two teddy bears together won't feel as lonely, much like how you, with your brother and sister, will feel happy, won't you?" Ye Chen inquired, observing Little Jing.

Despite the young girl offering no verbal reply, Ye Chen continued his discourse.

"Little Jing, I understand you've been deprived of your parents' affection and must feel a profound sense of loneliness and sorrow. However, many events have transpired that are beyond our ability to alter, so we must confront them with courage. Furthermore, your parents would not wish to see you in such a state; they desire their daughter to experience happiness and joy, just like other children."

At the utterance of these words, Little Jing's countenance became clouded with tears of pain.

"Little Jing, do you not wish to apprehend the perpetrator responsible for your parents' demise as swiftly as possible? At this very moment, the murderer remains at large, and your parents must be experiencing great sadness. If the culprit is apprehended soon, they will undoubtedly find peace, and whether this occurs hinges upon your teddy bear. It will not only serve your parents but also facilitate a companion for the bear itself. Would that not bring you joy?"

As Ye Chen articulated his thoughts, he closely monitored Little Jing's shifting emotions.

Abruptly, Little Jing moved closer to Ye Chen and offered a nod.

Witnessing the girl's affirmative gesture, Ye Chen understood he had successfully persuaded Little Jing.

Once Little Jing located the teddy bear, the murder mystery that had persistently troubled Zhou Susu for an extended period could be swiftly resolved, and the guilty party brought to justice.

Zhou Susu and Officer Zhang remained outside, their hearts heavy with anxious anticipation regarding the developments within, yet they could only patiently await the outcome.