CHAPTER 29:BATTLE FOR BLOOD

The photo of Jin Hao burned into Mei Xing's mind. His innocent smile, his gentle eyes—he looked happy, unaware of the dark shadows behind him. Behind that façade stood Zhang Wei, grinning like a predator who knew exactly how to strike where it hurt the most.

Mei Xing held the photo against her chest, fury and desperation swirling in her heart. He had crossed every line. And now, it was war.

"We can't wait anymore," she told Zhao Chen and Kai during a late-night meeting. "No more cautious moves. We confront him head-on."

Kai nodded. "I've traced three properties under Zhang Wei's shell corporations—each in remote areas, heavily guarded. One of them could be where he's hiding Jin Hao."

Zhao Chen added, "We'll need surveillance teams, infiltration plans, and backup. If he's using the boy as leverage, he won't keep him where he's vulnerable."

But Mei Xing had another idea brewing. "Zhang Wei wants a game of power. Let's give him one. I'll bait him into the open—make him think he's winning."

"What do you have in mind?" Kai asked.

"A fake business deal," she said confidently. "One so grand, so enticing, that he'll personally oversee it. He won't be able to resist if I pretend I'm losing everything to get my son back. He'll gloat, and that's when we strike."

The plan moved swiftly. Mei Xing publicly announced a merger deal with a major tech firm—one she had no intention of finalizing. Word spread fast, and just as she expected, Zhang Wei took notice.

Within days, he reached out anonymously through a corporate mediator. The message was clear: "We can talk about the boy—if you're willing to give up your empire."

Mei Xing's heart pounded. It was working.

"He's taking the bait," she said. "Now we set the trap."

Meanwhile, Zhao Chen coordinated surveillance on the three properties. One in particular—a secluded estate outside Fengyuan—showed recent activity: security upgrades, encrypted communications, and deliveries for a child's room.

"That's where he is," Zhao said. "I'd bet my life on it."

Mei Xing stared at the estate's aerial footage on the screen. "Then that's where we end this."

But just as preparations for the final strike began, Kai burst into the room with alarming news. "You're not going to like this," he said breathlessly. "Mei Li just made a public statement."

He turned on the TV. Mei Li, dressed in a flowing white dress, stood in front of reporters, eyes full of false sorrow.

"I've come forward because I can no longer stay silent," she said. "Mei Xing is not the rightful mother of Jin Hao. I am. She's been chasing an illusion."

The room went silent.

Mei Xing clenched her jaw. "She's trying to turn the narrative again."

Zhao Chen looked at her. "We can't delay. The longer this goes on, the more dangerous it becomes—for your son and for you."

Mei Xing nodded, eyes blazing.

"It's time to end this battle for blood."