Wu Lina came back to her chair and sat down with a beaming face. Vladimir noticed his daughter, and for once, he was happy to see her. He wanted to go and ask her the reason for that cheery look but refrained, as he knew that she would again retreat in her world if he interrupted.

Moments later, he held a mic in his hands and announced to the world, "Dear all, thank you for visiting us from across the world. Today is a special day. I have been reunited with my long-lost daughter, Lina."

All the lights focused on Wu Lina. She got up from her chair and bowed to keep up with the act.

Vladimir continued, "She is now Lina Yankova." On hearing that name, there was a thunderous applause in the room. There were many jealous glares as well. Young ladies remarked at her sudden rise in status.

"Lina was found courtesy a very fine young gentleman, Yan Xiaojun." He signaled Yan Xiaojun to come forward.

Wu Lina was shocked when she heard Vladimir's disclosure and saw Yan Xiaojun stepping in front.

"This gentleman has just arrived, and when I heard he was here, I invited him to the party. He has literally run from the airport to join us on time."

The audience erupted in laughter. Yang Xinyu was standing far in the room. He had clenched his hands so hard that his knuckles had turned white. If he could, he would have murdered Yan Xiaojun then and there.

---

Yan Xiaojun had arrived alone in Sofia and had straightaway first gone to stay in the guest house where he had stayed a year back. The owner had recognized him immediately. Yan Xiaojun had come unannounced. The owner was extremely surprised.

Yan Xiaojun was happy that the owner had recognized him. However, the owner was reluctant to give him the accommodation. He said, "I am sorry, but there is no room available here." The owner looked around to see if he had brought any other woman with him but found that he was alone. "Are you alone this time? Where is your wife?" he asked.

"Yes, I have traveled alone, and she wasn't my wife," said Yan Xiaojun, lowering his head and shaking it with a sad expression.

"Then who was she?" he enquired.

Yan Xiaojun didn't like his enquiry. Curtly, he answered, "She was just a friend."

As if considering him, the owner said, "Okay… we have one room available in the corner. But it doesn't have a great view."

"That would be fine," said Yan Xiaojun eagerly.

He paid the rental in advance, and the owner guided him to his room. When the owner was about to leave, Yan Xiaojun said, "I wanted your help with something."

"What is it?" he asked, wary of the man in front of him.

"Can we talk about it when you are free? There are a lot of details that need to be considered," replied Yan Xiaojun.

The owner nodded and said, "Okay, I will come back after dinner."

In the evening, when Yan Xiaojun was heading for dinner to the dining place, he thought of strolling out towards the hilly terrain. It was a lovely trail, and he wanted to explore it again. He went to the reception to give them the keys. But something caught his eye.

A cute little boy with black hair and features like that of a Chinese more than a European was lying in a baby basket on the table and messing with phone cords. Yan Xiaojun was stunned to see that child. He became anxious and went near him. The fair skinned, plump cheeked child looked into his eyes. The baby extended his hands and held Yan Xiaojun's hair tightly and pulled him towards himself. Yan Xiaojun laughed and said, "Who are you, little bun?" The child giggled. Yan Xiaojun was intrigued… no, he was anxious. Where was Rosa?

Just as he was listening to the boy in front of him giggling, a girl rose from behind the counter. She froze the moment she saw Yan Xiaojun. She stared at him for a long time, as if she had seen a ghost. All of a sudden, she grabbed the child and took him in her lap. The little bun then held her hair tightly. He lightly nibbled on the shoulder where his head was resting.

Yan Xiaojun was speechless! There was no way this could happen! All his plans, his anxieties, every emotion in his body went to his head. He felt dizzy – was it possible? He looked at the girl – the seventeen-year-old Rosa whom he had made love to that night… was now eighteen.

Yan Xiaojun could muster only enough energy at the moment to say, "Rosa…"

She stared blankly at him.

He pointed his finger towards the little bun, whom he felt looked more like him than Rosa. His narrow eyes resembled half moons when he laughed.

Seventeen-year-old Rosa had became pregnant last year. Her parents had insisted that she abort the child, but she went ahead with the pregnancy amidst all the protests. She thought that she was expecting her boyfriend's child. She had gone to her boyfriend with the news of her pregnancy. But he refused to meet her and said that he could not take care of her, and suggested that she abort it. However, the young Rosa did not have the heart to do away with her child and carried on with the pregnancy. She had attracted a lot of gossip, all the while, but she braved it. When her son was born, she was in for the mega surprise of her life! He was only half European. His features resembled the person who was standing in front of her now.

Yan Xiaojun circled the counter and came to stand behind her. He looked at the child again and held his hand. He asked her softly, "Is he mine?"

Rosa nodded.

Without saying a word, Yan Xiaojun took the child from her in his lap and looked at the adorable bundle of joy. Holding him very carefully, he asked, "What is his name?"

"Ivan…"