After Descending the Mountain, Seven Big Brothers Spoil Me - Chapter 327

Chapter 327: Exposed
“Stop!” The bodyguard’s hand froze at Huo Ji’an’s terrified scream. Seeing his face turn pale, he quickly explained, “Young master, this knife is fake; it’s not sharp.”

To prove it, he drew the blade heavily across his own hand, but nothing happened. “We’re in a kindergarten. How could I bring a real knife?”

“Phew.” Qin Bei exhaled heavily in relief.

The bodyguard chuckled, “Young Master Qin, you should learn from Zhouzhou.”

Everyone turned to look at Zhouzhou, who, oblivious to their gazes, had pulled a sesame bun out of her bag and was munching away. She blinked her big, round eyes in confusion at their stares.

Qin Bei sighed. “She’s just too focused on eating to notice anything else.”

Qin Nan reviewed the footage with satisfaction. Pointing to the bodyguard, he said, “You’re the perfect kidnapper and Huo Ji’an, your fear looked very real.”

Huo Ji’an, swallowing his real fear, merely nodded. He couldn’t admit how terrified he actually was.

“But,” Qin Nan continued, “since you know Huo Ji’an’s father, you can’t show your face. We need to cover it.”

Conveniently, the storeroom had leftover masks from a previous performance. Qin Nan found a large one and gave it to the bodyguard for a re-take.

One take was all they needed.

“Alright, ‘Seeking Family’ is a wrap!”

“Yay!” Zhouzhou clapped her chubby hands, and Qin Bei ran outside to pick two flowers, presenting them to Huo Ji’an and the bodyguard.

“Is that all?” Zhouzhou asked, peering curiously at the footage.

“We still need to edit it,” Qin Nan assured. “Leave it to me. Huo Ji’an’s dad will know about his ‘kidnapping’ tonight.”

Zhouzhou, perplexed by the technical terms, decided not to dwell on it. Thinking too much might make her lose hair, and she needed every strand of her fortune-bringing locks.

“Let’s go back; it’s snack time,” she declared, licking her lips.

The bodyguard checked the time, marveling at her precision.

As they returned, the teacher found Huo Ji’an covered in dirt. She asked, “What happened?”

Huo Ji’an remained silent.

Seeing he wasn’t hurt, the teacher let it go and took him to wash up.

Zhouzhou, after barely wetting her hands, headed straight for the snacks, but Qin Feng caught her and scrubbed her chubby hands thoroughly before letting her go.

Zhouzhou happily grabbed a fruit platter and munched away, her eyes squinting with delight, her little feet swinging contentedly.

She glanced up to see Huo Ji’an smiling faintly across from her. Blinking her eyes, she thought, that once Uncle Huo returned, Skinny Pole would be even happier.

After school, Qin Nan hurried to his room with the camera, Zhouzhou trailing behind, followed by Qin Bei, Qin Feng, and Huo Ji’an.

The bodyguard also tagged along, curious about the outcome. He knew how much the young master had anticipated this and hoped for a good result.

“What’s up with these kids?” Qin Grandma wondered, watching them scurry about.

“Do you know what they’re up to?” she asked Qin Lie.

Qin Lie loosened his tie and shook his head. “No idea. They’re probably just playing.”

As long as nothing serious happened, Qin Grandma didn’t pry further.

In the room, Qin Nan darkened the video’s background, creating a somber atmosphere. He altered the bodyguard’s voice to prevent Huo Mingxuan from recognizing it.

Once satisfied there were no mistakes, he asked for Huo Mingxuan’s phone number and sent the video.

Watching the message sent confirmation, everyone held their breath.

Huo Ji’an and Zhouzhou headed together and stared at the phone intently.

Sensing his tension, Zhouzhou reassured him, “Don’t worry, Skinny Pole. By tomorrow morning, your dad will be back.”

“Yes!” Huo Ji’an nodded emphatically.

Just then, an urgent ringtone shattered the silence—it was the bodyguard’s phone. Glancing at the caller ID, he nervously answered, “It’s sir. Quiet.”

Zhouzhou immediately covered her mouth, and Huo Ji’an followed suit, eyes wide.

The bodyguard answered on speaker, “Hello, sir.”

Feeling a bit guilty about his part in the scheme, he wondered how Mr. Huo would react.

The next second, his heart sank.

Huo Mingxuan’s cold voice came through, “When did you decide to become a kidnapper? Was this your idea or Huo Ji’an’s?”

He found out!

The bodyguard gasped, Zhouzhou’s eyes widened, and Huo Ji’an froze.

Seeming to anticipate their thoughts, Huo Mingxuan sneered, “If I can’t recognize my son’s bodyguard, any real kidnapper could waltz into my house.”

The bodyguard’s signature candy-loving, burly form was unmistakable.

“Is Huo Ji’an there? Tell him to behave, the card is in his hand. Buy what he needs. I’m still in a meeting—”

Before the conversation could reach its conclusion, a single hand preemptively terminated the call. It was Huo Ji’an. At that moment, his chest heaved with palpable intensity, his thin lips tightly pursed, his complexion notably pallid.

“Skinny Pole…” Zhouzhou gazed at him, laden with concern.

Huo Ji’an remained silent, yet abruptly seized his mobile device and flung it with sudden force.

My phone!

The bodyguard mentally lamented but swallowed his complaint, seeing the young master trembling with rage.

Oh no, this time he had caused such a huge mess; Mr. Huo would certainly not reimburse him. Oh, how bitter his fate was.

The others stared, unsure what to say. They had been certain their plan would work, only for it to be foiled so quickly.

Qin Nan frowned, puzzled by their failure.

Though he expected Huo Ji’an to throw a fit, besides smashing the phone, he simply sat down, silent and dejected.

Zhouzhou sidled up, “It’s okay, Skinny Pole. We can think of another plan. Or we can just play together like before.”

“Exactly,” Qin Nan chimed in. “Your dad’s loss if he doesn’t appreciate you.”

Qin Bei added, “We could always swap dads. Not a big deal. You’re luckier than us. We want to switch, but Mom won’t divorce Dad, and we can’t leave her.”

Qin Feng nodded, “If you’re upset, just cry. Don’t hold it in.”

Huo Ji’an forced a painful smile, “I’m fine. Thanks, everyone.”

Seeing his forced cheer, Zhouzhou clenched her little fists, “We don’t need him! I’ll figure out who your new dad is right now!”