《Rebirth: Pampered by My Children and Husband》


 Chapter 1 - 1 "I am your mother.

    Chapter 1: Chapter 1 ¡°I am your mother.


    Lin Xu was in a car ident.


    Arge truck ran a red light and collided with her sedan, causing it to overturn.


    Steel pipes from the truck fell off, piercing through her body. Before the pain could even spread throughout her body, she lost consciousness.


    Numerous images flooded her mind, and Lin Xu realized that she was in a novel world; both her sons were viins in the story, and her daughter was a disposable supporting character.


    After she and her husband died, the three children were left to fend for themselves. With no one to guide them, the sons grew more twisted. One became a pervert who liked to imprison the novel¡¯s female protagonist and y dark room games, and the other was a viin who would nonchntly draw blood from substitutes, harvesting their kidneys for the female protagonist, his moonlight.


    The only daughter,cking affection in her childhood, grew up love-struck, revolving her life around the male protagonist and setting up traps for the female protagonist.


    Because they opposed the leads of the novel, it wasn¡¯t long before the viinous sons were caught and spent their lives in prison. The disposable daughter was manipted by the male lead, losing the family business and ultimately falling off a cliff in a state of despair.


    ¡°Be careful!¡±


    Lin Xu suddenly sat up, gasping for air, her chest heaving violently.


    The image of her daughter falling from the cliff was still in her mind. She patted her chest, unsettled, and then noticed the gaping hole the steel pipe had left in her chest during the ident was gone. In fact, all her other wounds had also disappeared.


    Lin Xu was stunned. Before she could make sense of what was happening, she heard a loud shout near her.


    ¡°Ji Tingyang, I don¡¯t like you, let me go.¡±


    The man¡¯s clear voice was tinged with anger, ¡°I¡¯m telling you, impossible! Butler, take her back to her room!¡±


    Lin Xu followed the voice into the room and saw a man throwing things on the floor, all the cups and dishes swept off the surfaces and shattered into pieces.


    She tentatively called out a name, ¡°Ji Tingyang?¡±


    Ji Tingyang turned around, his brows furrowed in displeasure, ¡°Who are you, and what are you doing here?¡±


    Those familiar eyes and face made Lin Xu¡¯s heart tremble, ¡°I¡¯m your mother.¡±


    ¡°Say that again?!¡± Ji Tingyang¡¯s eyes were ice cold, his clear voice suppressing anger.


    Lin Xu stood her ground, responding, ¡°I said, I¡¯m your mother.¡±


    Ji Tingyang radiated a chilling aura, his frosty eyes piercing her like knives, ¡°You dare to joke about my mother, are you seeking death!¡±


    His mother had died twenty years ago, and even if she had been alive, she would be in her forties or fifties by now, but this woman looked to be in her twenties at most.


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking, I¡¯m serious. When you were five, you still wet the bed; at six, you liked Ultraman; at seven, you still enjoyed drinking milk,¡± Lin Xu revealed details about Ji Tingyang as if she were reciting treasures.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s forehead vein bulged, his teeth clenched in anger, ¡°You¡¯ve had someone investigate me.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for an investigation, I¡¯ve told you I¡¯m your mother,¡± Lin Xu was also frustrated, why was this child so obstinate? He had been so cute as a child, believing everything she said.


    Lin Xu thought for a moment, then whispered, ¡°You have a red mole on your buttock, surely you can acknowledge that?¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression grew even colder. He stepped forward, gripping her wrist tightly, causing her pain, ¡°Is there someone else from your side in this house? Who is it, speak!¡±


    ¡°How can you be so stubborn, I already told you I¡¯m Lin Xu, your mother! After the car ident, when I woke up, I found myself here,pletely confused. I¡¯m trying to talk to you, and you won¡¯t listen,¡± Lin Xu, infuriated, took to hitting him, raising her hand to p his shoulder as she scolded him.


    The familiar tone and p of anger made Ji Tingyang pause for a moment. He remembered, over twenty years ago when he cut his mother¡¯s dress, she had pped him just like this when she was angry.


    Could she really be his mother?


    ¡°If you still don¡¯t believe me, then let¡¯s do a paternity test,¡± Lin Xu suggested wearily, proposing the most effective solution without further covert signals.


    Ji Tingyang had intended to throw her out of the Ji Family, but her face, so simr to her mother¡¯s, along with her actions and demeanor, made him hesitate for a moment.


    In the end, he called a doctor to draw blood for testing, but the results wouldn¡¯t be avable until the next day.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Ji Tingyang nced at Lin Xu and, for a moment, didn¡¯t know what to do with her.


    Lin Xu didn¡¯t mind his awkwardness and asked, ¡°Where are my brother and sister? Why haven¡¯t I seen them?¡±


    Ji Tingyang frowned, ¡°You want to find out where they are? Let me tell you, there¡¯s no¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, Lin Xu pped him again.


    Ji Tingyang felt a surge of frustration rise in his chest, and he turned to re fiercely at Lin Xu, about to let loose a curse but held it back upon seeing that familiar cheek, begrudgingly answering, ¡°They don¡¯te home often; they don¡¯t live here.¡±


    When the test resultse back, if this woman has deceived him, he would surely make her regret it.


    Lin Xu¡¯s slender brows furrowed, a hint of barely perceptible sadness in her expression, ¡°Do you not get along well?¡±


    Otherwise, why wouldn¡¯t the siblings live together?


    Ji Tingyang paused, then fell silent.


    Lin Xu wanted to ask more about them, but seeing Ji Tingyang¡¯s unhappy face, she swallowed her doubts.


    Forget it, she¡¯d ask another time.


    ¡°Is my old room still avable? Where will I sleep tonight?¡± Lin Xu looked around, the house hadn¡¯t changed much, most of it still the way it used to be.


    ¡°Sleep in the guest room,¡± Ji Tingyang said coldly.


    Lin Xu¡¯s lips parted, about to speak, but then she met his upromising gaze, ¡°Alright.¡±


    Ji Tingyang was still wary of her and it made sense to not allow her to stay in the master bedroom.


    Lin Xu had received an overload of information today, leaving her head spinning. She told Ji Tingyang goodnight, went upstairs, chose a guest room she knew, and went to rest.


    She slept soundly through the night.


    Lin Xu woke up the next morning to the strange yet familiar surroundings of the house and realized she had truly been reborn.


    It took her a while to catch her breath and slowly ept this fact. As she opened the door to get something to eat, she saw Ji Tingyang standing in front of her room.


    He held an A4 paper in his hand, staring at its contents with an expression of disbelief written all over his pupils.


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    Lin Xu¡¯s thoughts raced as she looked at the paper, ¡°Are the paternity results out?¡±


    Ji Tingyang looked up, his expressionplex as he responded.


    Seeing him like this, there was no need to ask what the results were.


    As Lin Xu contemted whether to offer him a long-awaited mother-son hug, the room at the end of the hallway erupted with the sound of objects being smashed.


    The nanny rushed out of the room, startled to see Ji Tingyang in the hallway, and hesitantly approached to say, ¡°Young Master, Lady Wen has thrown out all the breakfast.¡±


    Lin Xu¡¯s eyelid twitched as she remembered the novel¡¯s protagonist who was locked in the dark room.

 Chapter 2: Fire Her If She Doesn’t Eat

    Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Fire Her If She Doesn¡¯t Eat


    Upon hearing the woman in the room threatening a hunger strike, Ji Tingyang¡¯s face, which had been somewhat gentle just a moment ago, suddenly turned icy cold.


    He walked over and pushed open the door.


    He saw porridge and greens scattered on the floor, and beneath the bed, two lone buns had rolled away.


    A woman with waist-length hair stood inside, her figure exquisitely framed by the silk nightgown she wore.


    Her fair face was marked with traces of anger, and her eyes, brimming with unyielding tears, stared resentfully at Ji Tingyang, like a delicate white flower refusing to admit defeat in adversity.


    Lin Xu sighed inwardly.


    Worthy of being a novel¡¯s heroine, I can¡¯t help but sympathize.


    Ji Tingyang stood still, his face frosty: ¡°Housekeeper, since Lady Wen does not like the food, then dismiss Aunt Zhang.¡±


    The nanny next to him, hearing this, pleaded frantically with Ji Tingyang: ¡°President Ji, please don¡¯t dismiss me, I have two elderly to take care of at home and two children to put through school. If you dismiss me, my whole family won¡¯t be able to make ends meet!¡±


    Although the Ji Family was difficult to serve, thepensation was high, enough to sustain a family. But if she were to be dismissed, it would be hard to find another job that pays so well.


    Aunt Zhang continued to beg Ji Tingyang for mercy, and seeing him unmoved, she then turned to Wen Li with a beseeching look.


    ¡°Lady Wen, please, speak up for me, I beg you¡­¡±


    She knew that Young Master Ji would definitely listen to this woman.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Wen Li bit her red lips, her eyes showing a struggle tinged with pain.


    After a long while, she softened her heart.


    ¡°I¡¯ll eat, don¡¯t fire her.¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression finally softened, and he walked in to grab the woman¡¯s slender wrist: ¡°Wen Li, don¡¯t threaten me with a hunger strike.¡±


    Wen Li¡¯s tears on the brink of falling made her seem all the more pitiable.


    Lin Xu, witnessing the entire scene from the threshold, was dumbfounded. In her faint dreams, she had seen her normally well-behaved and kind eldest son turn into a ruthless viin.


    But even now, witnessing it with her own eyes, she was still shocked.


    Just as Wen Li was tearfully upset over being threatened, a small hand reached out and struck Ji Tingyang¡¯s arm hard.


    ¡°Ji Tingyang, how dare you, you¡¯ve even learned to threaten people now?¡±


    Lin Xu angrily patted his arm, signaling him to let go of Wen Li.


    Wen Li looked shocked, not expecting that someone would dare to hit Ji Tingyang in the Ji household.


    Then, a wave of concern rose from deep within her. The woman standing before her had dared to confront Ji Tingyang for her sake. What if Ji Tingyang decided to dismiss this woman too?


    Just as Wen Li was about to plead on her behalf, she saw Ji Tingyang let go of her hand, his expression noticeably ufortable: ¡°I wasn¡¯t threatening.¡±


    Lin Xu stared at him with a stern face, silent.


    The familiar look brought back a flood of memories deep in Ji Tingyang¡¯s mind.


    Ji Tingyang remembered that when he was a child and lied about having a stomach ache because he didn¡¯t want to go to school, Lin Xu had the same stern expression, watching him in silence.


    Until he apologized out of guilt and was escorted to school.


    Now, under Lin Xu¡¯s gaze, Ji Tingyang¡¯s eyes flickered, and he looked away.


    Lin Xu spoke sharply: ¡°How did I use to teach you?¡±


    However, Ji Tingyang was ultimately no longer the little boy he once was. His brow furrowed slightly, and he couldn¡¯t help retorting: ¡°You haven¡¯t been around for these twenty years, not fulfilling any responsibility, so what right do you have to say anything now?¡±


    Lin Xu was taken aback, the seriousness on her face gradually fading. She lowered her eyelids, her eyes tinged with a hint of destion, and turned to leave.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and he rushed out after her in a panic.


    Wen Li was left standing there, utterly baffled.


    ¡ª-


    Lin Xu returned to her room, just about to close the door when a broad, powerful hand reached in, stopping the door.


    Lin Xu gave Ji Tingyang a nce, expressionless, let go of the door, and sat down on the edge of the bed.


    Ji Tingyang pushed the door open and stood awkwardly by the side. He had a flurry of apologies prepared in his heart, but now facing Lin Xu, he found them difficult to voice.


    As he struggled internally, a tear fell from Lin Xu¡¯s cheek.


    Ji Tingyang immediately panicked, ¡°I, I didn¡¯t mean to say that just now, please don¡¯t cry¡­¡±


    Lin Xu sobbed, ¡°It¡¯s not like I had the ident on purpose. You don¡¯tfort me, fine, but you still me me for not taking good care of you. You used to be so obedient when you were a child, saying you liked mom the most. Just twenty years have passed and you already hate me, wuwuwu¡­¡±


    The more she spoke, the more wronged she felt, and tears kept pouring from her eyes.


    Ji Tingyang quickly checked his pockets for a handkerchief but couldn¡¯t find one, so he reluctantly used his sleeve to wipe the tears from her cheeks, continually apologizing, ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll listen to whatever you say.¡±


    Lin Xu¡¯s eyes were rimmed with tear, and a subtle hint of cunning shed through them. She bit her lip, fearing she couldn¡¯t help butugh and give herself away.


    When he was little, Ji Tingyang was always disobedient. She would pretend to cry like this, and in less than two seconds, he would relent, wiping her tears and babbling promises to listen to mom in the future.


    She thought now that he was grown up, it might not work, but it was still effective.


    Gurgle.


    As Lin Xu was crying, her stomach suddenly let out a loud rumble. She and Ji Tingyang eyed each other awkwardly, and she sheepishly said, ¡°¡­I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    Ji Tingyang got up, ¡°I¡¯ll have Aunt Zhang prepare more breakfast.¡±


    Ten minutester, Wen Li looked at Lin Xu sitting at the head of the table and ate, a sh of surprise in her eyes.


    This woman had just crossed Ji Tingyang and was still not kicked out?


    While she mulled over it, Aunt Zhang came out with the breakfast.


    The fragrant smell of steamed buns and dumplings filled the air, alongside an assortment of staples like corn porridge and pumpkin porridge¡­


    The breakfast wasid out with the spread of a buffet.


    Wen Li nced at it, her expression listless, ¡°I don¡¯t feel like eating.¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s brows were furrowed, and he shot a fierce look at her, ¡°If what Aunt Zhang made doesn¡¯t suit your taste, then she no longer needs to work for the Ji Family.¡±


    Another threat.


    Wen Li clenched her hand by her side, seeing Aunt Zhang casting pleading eyes at her, anger burning increasingly fierce in her chest.


    She clenched her teeth, about to speak out, when she heard the person beside her put down her chopsticks.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like eating either,¡± Lin Xu sighed.


    Wen Li¡¯s brows slightly furrowed. Was she mimicking her?


    Ji Tingyang surely wouldn¡¯t pay her any mind.


    Just as Wen Li thought this, Ji Tingyang turned towards Lin Xu, concerned, ¡°Why, don¡¯t you like these? What would you like to eat? I¡¯ll have someone make it for you.¡±


    Lin Xu thought for a moment, ¡°Is that rice noodle shop on Liberty Road still open?¡±


    Ji Tingyang nodded, ¡°It¡¯s still there.¡±


    Lin Xu said, ¡°I¡¯d like to have their rice noodles.¡±


    Ji Tingyang immediately sent the butler to buy them, and also asked her about lunch and dinner preferences, ordering them to be made as well.


    Lin Xu made several requests, and Ji Tingyang agreed to all.


    Wen Li looked at the kind-faced Ji Tingyang in shock.


    In her memory, Ji Tingyang was always cold-faced, arrogant, and spoke only in threats andmands. She had never seen him treat anyone so obligingly.


    Who exactly was this woman?

 Chapter 3 - 3 "I will always love you.

    Chapter 3: Chapter 3 ¡°I will always love you.


    ¡°`


    Lin Xu¡¯s previous bedroom was still kept intact, and after eating breakfast, she moved back into it.


    The bedroom seemed like it was cleaned often; not having been lived in for twenty years, the furniture was still spotless.


    She walked in, looking around, and noticed that everything inside was still as it had been, except the family portrait on the wall had be yellowed with age and lost its original rity.


    Lin Xu approached the desk, where a wedding photo was ced. In the photo, she was leaning against a handsome man, her smile blooming like a flower while the man¡¯s lips were slightly raised as he sweetly gazed down at her with a tender and sticky look.


    She reached out and gently touched the man in the photo, a pained expression appearing in her clear eyes as tears slid down.


    On the day of the ident, Lin Xu and her husband were driving together when the crash happened, he held her tightly in his arms as steel pipes from a truck pierced through both of their bodies.


    Now that she had been reborn, had he been reborn as well?


    Lin Xu thought to herself and then shook her head.


    If he really had been reborn, howe he hadn¡¯te to find her, to check on their child?


    While she was grieving over her husband¡¯s death, a harsh noise of arguing came from downstairs.


    Ji Tingyang was gripping Wen Li¡¯s wrist tightly, his gaze dark and terrifying, ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Wen Li furrowed her brow in pain, yet she showed no sign of backing down, ¡°Ji Tingyang, I¡¯m a human being, not your pet. You can¡¯t keep me locked up in the vi forever, I want to go out!¡±


    ¡°Go out, and then what?¡± Ji Tingyang sneered coldly, ¡°To meet Xiao Yu?¡±


    Hearing the name of the man she loved, a shy blush spread across Wen Li¡¯s cheeks, and she ground her teeth, ¡°Whom I meet is none of your business.¡±


    Ji Tingyang, seeing her like this, felt a chill spread over him even more icily, ¡°Unless I die, you won¡¯t ever dream of leaving here in this lifetime.¡±


    Wen Li¡¯s face turned deathly pale, her red lips parting slightly, just as she was about to speak, a cry of surprise sounded not far away.


    ¡°Ji Tingyang!¡±


    As Lin Xu came downstairs, she heard her eldest son¡¯s deration of restricting personal freedom, and felt darkness cloud her vision.


    She hurried over, twisted Ji Tingyang¡¯s arm, and pulled him aside.


    ¡°Who taught you to speak like that, to lock someone up? Aren¡¯t you afraid of the police arresting you?!¡±


    Ji Tingyang wanted to lose his temper from the pain, but the person in front of him was his mother, so he could only hold back his anger and rubbed his arm.


    ¡°Who would call the police?¡±


    Lin Xu said, ¡°Wen Li.¡±


    Ji Tingyang, ¡°She wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±


    Wen Li¡¯s parents worked in hispany, and she wouldn¡¯t risk offending him and having her parents be unable to find work in the country.


    Lin Xu felt frantic inside.


    What wouldn¡¯t Wen Li dare to do? Your ultimate fate was still to end up in jail!


    Lin Xu wished she could do what she did when Ji Tingyang was a child and made a mistake: pick him up and spank him, but with his height now at 1.85 meters, even taller than herself, she had to give up that impulse.


    She decided to try a different approach, to appeal to his emotions, ¡°Do you really like her that much?¡±


    Ji Tingyang paused, then nodded slightly.


    Lin Xu asked him, ¡°Were your father and I not very much in love?¡±


    ¡°`


    Ji Tingyang reflected for a moment and continued nodding.


    Lin Xu: ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s because your dad would respect me and support every decision I make, which is why I like him. Of course, part of the reason is that he is both handsome and wealthy, seemingly cold on the outside, but every time I tease him, his ears would secretly turn red¡­¡±


    Ji Tingyang: ¡°¡­¡±


    He unexpectedly had to endure a round of his parents¡¯ public disy of affection.


    ¡°Ahem, anyway¡­¡± Seeing the speechless look in her son¡¯s eyes, Lin Xu quickly steered the conversation back on track, ¡°What I mean is, if your dad was like you, cooping me up in a room all day, I would never have liked him. So, if you want Wen Li to like you, you should let her out even more because nobody likes a big viin who locks them up, you know?¡±


    Ji Tingyang pursed his lips, his thoughts in his mind kept pulling and struggling.


    A little ck figure said that he should lock Wen Li up, this way she would always belong to him. Another little white figure said that his mother was right, love must learn to respect each other.


    The ck figure contested, what mother, she wasn¡¯t there when he was bullied, wasn¡¯t there when he struggled alone to raise his two younger brothers and sister, and now she suddenly shows up to educate him about what love is¡­


    Suddenly.


    A hand gently ruffled his head, the gesture was so tender it even stirred the still waters at the bottom of his heart.


    Lin Xu tiptoed, her body swaying gently as she caressed his head, ¡°But our Tingyang is so powerful, no matter what others think, I will always love you.¡±


    A sourness welled up in Ji Tingyang¡¯s heart. He swallowed hard, took Lin Xu¡¯s hand from his head, and held it tightly in his.


    In the time not long after his parents died, Ji Tingyang would feel a sour envy when he saw children celebrating their birthdays with their parents kissing their cheeks and saying they loved them. But as time passed and he grew older, he had be numb to such scenes.


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    However, today, hearing Lin Xu say this, he found that numbness beginning to waver.


    The little ck figure in his mind also dissipated.


    ¡­


    Wen Li watched Ji Tingyang and Lin Xu from a distance. Even though she couldn¡¯t hear what they were saying, she knew from their asional nces that they were talking about her.


    That woman seemed to be trying to persuade Ji Tingyang to let her out.


    Wen Li stood there uneasily, her hand at her side clenched into a fist. She knew that Ji Tingyang was a pervert, no matter what anyone said, he would never let her go.


    Suddenly, she saw the woman touch Ji Tingyang¡¯s head and, to her astonishment, not only did he not get angry, he also tightly held the woman¡¯s hand with a tenderness she had never seen before.


    Wen Li was stunned for a long while and before she could snap out of it, Ji Tingyang walked over and said something thatpletely shocked her.


    ¡°Butler, from now on, don¡¯t obstruct Miss Wen wherever she wants to go.¡±


    Wen Li couldn¡¯t believe her ears, ¡°Are you really willing to let me leave?¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression was as cold and ruthless as ever, as if the tenderness she had just glimpsed was her misperception.


    ¡°Leave? Don¡¯t even think about it. I¡¯m just letting you step outside, but if you aren¡¯t back by 10 p.m., I can¡¯t guarantee what might happen to your parents.¡±


    Wen Li¡¯s face turned pale, and although she was still unwilling at heart, at least she could now go outside.


    She bit her lip, nodding reluctantly.


    Lin Xu listening to the ring threats in Ji Tingyang¡¯s words felt overwhelmed, sensing the daunting task of educating her child resting on her shoulders.


    But fortunately, there was now a good start, and the rest could be taught slowly.


    Wen Li, with secretly delighted lips curving up, looked up at Lin Xu walking beside Ji Tingyang, her confusion deepened.


    No one had ever been able to sessfully dissuade Ji Tingyang¡­ perhaps that woman could be a breakthrough.

 Chapter 4 - 4 Does She Want to Rise to Power?

    Chapter 4: Chapter 4 Does She Want to Rise to Power?


    At night, Lin Xu nned to go downstairs for a ss of water and noticed the light from the study shining through the gap under the door as she passed.


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    The light wasn¡¯t turned off?


    She twisted the doorknob, intending to turn off the light, but paused when she saw Ji Tingyang at the desk.


    She nced at the time¡ªit was already half past midnight. He was still dealing with work at this hour?


    A momentary sh of her own husband¡¯s face crossed Lin Xu¡¯s mind; it was not unusual for him to stay in the study all night long whenever he worked overtime.


    Lin Xu always urged him not to work so hard, and he would embrace her waist and say softly, ¡°I want you and our child to live a carefree life, and it¡¯s worth the hardship.¡±


    What had she responded at that time?


    Lin Xu thought for a moment.


    ¡°Health is the capital of revolution. If you wear yourself out, what will be of me and our child?¡±


    After that, she would forcibly drag him back to the bedroom to rest.


    This incident had just happenedst week, yet it felt like twenty years had passed in the blink of an eye, and he was no longer with her¡­


    For a moment, her expression turned sad and mncholic.


    Lin Xu had stood at the doorway for too long. Ji Tingyang noticed the unusual presence at the door, looked up, and, seeing Lin Xu, asked in puzzlement, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Lin Xu came to her senses, walked in. ¡°Are you still working?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I still have some documents to deal with.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s not urgent, you can handle it tomorrow. It¡¯s already veryte. You should go to sleep,¡± Lin Xu urged.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡±


    ¡°Health is important!¡±


    Ji Tingyang opened his mouth about to say something when a small hand suddenlynded on his head and patted it.


    ¡°That¡¯s my boy,¡± Lin Xu said as if soothing a child.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s body stiffened, and while he still had something to say, he silently closed his mouth, letting her hand stroke his head.


    Since his parents had died, few had cared for him this way, and this nostalgic feeling made him reluctant to leave.


    It was Lin Xu who couldn¡¯t hold on any longer; she couldn¡¯t suppress a yawn and reminded him once more to go to bed before leaving the study.


    Just as she exited the study, she encountered Wen Liing toward her.


    Wen Li, carrying a water ss, came up from downstairs and caught Lin Xu exiting the study, a hint of surprise shing in her eyes. Ji Tingyang¡¯s study had always been off-limits to others, and she had only entered once or twice.


    Unexpectedly, this new woman entered and exited the study as if it were nothing.


    Lin Xu looked at Wen Li¡¯s slender figure; dark circles under her eyes and a haggard look adding a fragile beauty that was pitiful yet charming.


    Lin Xu knew that this was mostly due to fasting and poor rest.


    Anyone would feel down if they were confined to a vi all day.


    Thinking this, she spoke out, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will persuade Ji Tingyang to let you leave.¡±


    After leaving, find your leading man, and never see her son again. That way her son won¡¯t be in trouble, Ji Family¡¯s businesses won¡¯t go bankrupt, and everything will be wonderful.


    ¡°You?¡± Wen Li couldn¡¯t believe Lin Xu¡¯s words.


    Ji Tingyang loved her so much and had never heeded her requests, so why would he listen to another woman?


    Since meeting Lin Xu, she always told herself that she would persuade Ji Tingyang to let her go; could she be aiming for a higher position?


    Wen Li sneered inwardly.


    ¡°Yes, I will persuade him more during this period. Just wait a few more days,¡± Lin Xu said, oblivious to her thoughts, trying to offerfort.


    ¡°Oh, then good luck,¡± Wen Li responded coldly and turned to go back to her room.

 Chapter 5: Fear That She Will Never Return

    Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Fear That She Will Never Return


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Lin Xu had thought of many ways to convince Ji Tingyang, but upon opening her wardrobe the next day, she was distracted by the big issue at hand.


    She realized she had no clothes to change into!


    Until the third day, Lin Xu was still wearing the set of clothes she started with after her rebirth.


    The clothes in the wardrobe still looked the same as they did twenty years ago, no different from a few days ago to Lin Xu, who nced at them and then closed the wardrobe.


    It wasn¡¯t until now, when she wanted to change her clothes, that she discovered all the clothes in the wardrobe had faded and yellowed, leaving nothing she could wear out.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ji Tingyang heard her scream and hurried over.


    Lin Xu was holding a red dress, looking pitifully at him, ¡°I just bought this dress less than a week ago and haven¡¯t worn it once, and now it¡¯s already old.¡±


    She had nned to wear it to a dinner party in a couple of days, but now it waspletely ruined.


    ¡°All the clothes inside are unwearable,¡± she said dishearteningly.


    Ji Tingyang breathed a sigh of relief, thinking it was something serious, ¡°It¡¯s just clothes, you can always buy new ones.¡±


    Lin Xu looked at him pitifully.


    Ji Tingyang quickly realized, ¡°My bank card is in my room, I¡¯ll give it to you in a bit, you can buy whatever you want.¡±


    Lin Xu, moved, said, ¡°My son has grown up, he can earn money to spend on his mom.¡±


    In the past, when she went out to pick dresses for parties, she would always be indecisive among several options.


    Little Ji Tingyang would say, ¡°Why not buy them all?¡±


    Lin Xu would pretend it was difficult: ¡°We¡¯re too poor to buy so many clothes, mom can only choose one.¡±


    The shop assistant nced at the handbag worth hundreds of thousands in her hand and the limited edition ck Card, and kept silent.


    If that¡¯s considered being poor, then oneself surely doesn¡¯t deserve to live.


    But children don¡¯t understand these things, immediately feeling sorry for their mom and hugging her neck tofort her, ¡°Mom, when I grow up and earn money, I¡¯ll give it all to you, and you can buy as many dresses as you want.¡±


    Lin Xu kissed him on the cheek, smiling, ¡°My son is really great.¡±


    In the blink of an eye, that child had grown up and even told her dominantly to use his card.


    Lin Xu¡¯s eyes welled up with tears, moved.


    After having breakfast, Lin Xu was eagerly waiting at the door for today¡¯s shopping trip.


    Ji Tingyang handed her the ck Card, ¡°Shall I have the driver take you?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Lin Xu didn¡¯t insist otherwise. Twenty years had passed, and she probably didn¡¯t even recognize the roads anymore.


    ¡°What¡¯s the limit on this card? It wouldn¡¯t be good if I maxed it out.¡± She took the card, nced at it, and casually asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s no limit, feel free to swipe it.¡±


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ¡°Tsk, talk about having the aura of a powerful CEO,¡± she teased.


    Ji Tingyang smiled.


    Lin Xu waved to him, turned around, and walked out, opening the car door.


    This scene was too familiar, so familiar that Ji Tingyang¡¯s heart ached painfully.


    It seemed like thest time he said goodbye to Lin Xu was just like this, waving, getting in the car, leaving, an ident¡­


    After which his rtives reluctantly told him that his parents had gone to heaven and would never return.


    With a heart full of bitterness, almost reflexively, he grabbed Lin Xu¡¯s arm.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lin Xu asked, puzzled.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s mouth opened slightly, hesitant to speak.


    He didn¡¯t dare say it was because he was afraid she would leave and never return, just like before.


    Lin Xu blinked, guessing what he might be thinking, and suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t youe with me? So many years have passed, and I don¡¯t understand anything. What if someone deceives me?¡±

 Chapter 6: Love without material substance is like loose sand.

    Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Love without material substance is like loose sand.


    In the high-end clothing store, when Lin Xu came out of the fitting room wearing the tenth outfit and spun around in front of Ji Tingyang to ask for his opinion, he was already beginning to regret his impulsive decision.


    The interval had been too long, and he had forgotten just how enthusiastic Lin Xu was when shopping for clothes. Every time they went out to look at thetest season¡¯s offerings, she would try on clothes for half a day before buying everything.


    When he was a child, he could sit and wait while ying with toys, but now it seemed his patience was running thin.


    Seeing Lin Xu brimming with excitement, with no sign of finishing any time soon, Ji Tingyang took out his phone to look over a document sent by his secretary during the spare moment.


    Before long, he heard amotion nearby.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your staff? I already told you to reserve this dress for me. Why did you sell it to her?¡± A woman with short hair scolded the store employees in a fit of anger.


    The staff member wore a troubled expression, ¡°Miss Xu, our staff already exined to you earlier that our store does not offer reservation services, purchases can only be made on the spot.¡±


    The woman with short hair knew the store¡¯s rules, so she had hurried over as soon as she heard the skirt had arrived, but to her dismay, someone else had gotten to it first.


    Thinking of how the skirt was a limited edition, and the only one in the country, her anger surged, ¡°I spend millions in your store every year. Is this how you treat your customers?¡±


    Without caring for more, the short-haired woman snatched the desired dress from the pile of clothes Lin Xu was waiting to check out and tossed it to the clerk, ¡°Hurry up and process the payment for me.¡±


    Lin Xu was stunned by the woman¡¯s audacity.


    The employee hesitated, ¡°This miss was about to buy that¡­¡±


    ¡°Look at her, dressed all shabby. Everything on her is¡­¡± The short-haired woman scrutinized Lin Xu, her toneced with disdain, ¡°Twenty-year-old outdated designs. Can she even afford it?¡±


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Lin Xu didn¡¯t really care for the skirt. She would have been willing to let her have it if she had spoken politely, but the woman was utterlycking in manners.


    Lin Xu tugged at the corner of her mouth and pulled the skirt back towards her, pointing to the pile of clothes in front of her, ¡°I¡¯ll take all of these. Charge it to my card.¡±


    She handed over her ck Card from her purse.


    The employee¡¯s face lit up with delight; selling all these clothes would take care of her sales targets for the month. She eagerly reached out to take it.


    The short-haired woman froze for a moment. This bank card seemed all too familiar¡­ As she thought this, she had already snatched the card to examine it closely.


    Credit cards usually bear the owner¡¯s name, and she immediately looked at the name, which was spelt in the Roman alphabet as Ji Tingyang¡¯s.


    She remembered, she had seen the card in Wen Li¡¯s hands before.


    ¡°I was wondering how a pauper like you could afford these clothes. It turns out you¡¯ve stolen someone else¡¯s credit card.¡±


    ¡°Credit card fraud is illegal.¡± The short-haired woman sneered contemptuously, ncing at the nearby employee, ¡°What are you waiting for? Call the police, now!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± The employee, looking between theposed Lin Xu and the arrogant woman, was quite baffled for a moment.


    Lin Xu tucked her hair behind her ear, remaining serene, ¡°This card is indeed mine.¡±


    The short-haired woman seemed to hear a hrious joke, ¡°The name on it clearly reads Ji Tingyang.¡±


    Lin Xu, ¡°That¡¯s right, Ji Tingyang gave it to me.¡±


    ¡°That card was obviously given to Wen Li by Ji Tingyang!¡± The woman eximed while pulling out her phone, ready to call the authorities.


    Seeing her causing trouble, Lin Xu¡¯s expression showed her annoyance, and just as she was about to retort, a voice from behind her preempted.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Ji Tingyang came up beside Lin Xu and noticed her frowning, seemingly in a bad mood.


    Thinking she might have encountered some trouble.


    ¡°Nothing, just ran into someone causing a disturbance.¡± Lin Xu snatched the bank card back from the short-haired woman and handed it to the clerk again, ¡°Go ahead and check out.¡±


    The clerk snapped out of it and nodded repeatedly, ¡°Right away, I¡¯ll go get it!¡±


    As she passed by the short-haired woman, the clerk nced at her disdainfully.


    What stealing a bank card, that man was none other than President Ji himself! Utter nonsense, she almost lost such a big sale because of it.


    When Ji Tingyang appeared, the short-haired woman just froze in ce until the clerk had left before she came back to her senses.


    She smoothed her hair and greeted him with a smile, ¡°President Ji, so you are here.¡±


    Lin Xu looked at Ji Tingyang and raised an eyebrow, ¡°You know her?¡±


    If such an uncultured individual was a friend of her son, she would definitely have to educate him on the basic principles of making friends.


    Ji Tingyang just nced at her and quickly looked away, saying coldly, ¡°I don¡¯t know her.¡±


    Lin Xu saved herself a lecture.


    The smile on the short-haired woman¡¯s face fell, and she hurriedly tried to salvage the situation, ¡°President Ji, I am friends with Wen Li, we¡¯ve met before at the club.¡±


    At the mention of Wen Li, Ji Tingyang¡¯s movements froze for a moment, and he looked at her again.


    The short-haired woman felt a surge of joy, thinking he had remembered her, but before she could speak, Ji Tingyang simply uttered a faint ¡°Oh,¡± and ignored her.


    The clerk was very efficient at checking out, and in no time, all the clothes were neatly packed.


    Dozens of bags, arranged neatly on the table.


    Lin Xu tilted her chin, motioning for Ji Tingyang to take them and walked out ahead of him.


    Ji Tingyang seemed experienced, giving the clerk the address to deliver everything to the vi, then strutted his long legs to catch up with Lin Xu.


    ¡°The club she just mentioned, it wouldn¡¯t happen to be a nightclub, would it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a leisure club opened by a friend.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief, if you dare go to a nightclub and get into trouble, don¡¯t expect toe back home.¡±


    ¡°¡­I wouldn¡¯t go.¡±


    Their casual conversation drifted away as they left, and it was only then that the short-haired woman came to her senses, quickly pulling out her phone to make a call.


    The phone was quickly answered, and a sweet voice said, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Wen Li, I just saw Ji Tingyang at the mall, and guess what, he was actually shopping for clothes with another woman. What¡¯s with him, isn¡¯t he supposed to be head over heels for you? Isn¡¯t he supposed to do as you say?¡±


    Another woman?


    The first person Wen Li thought of was Lin Xu, and she felt a bit surprised.


    She knew Ji Tingyang was extremely busy with work every day, and yet, this busy Ji Tingyang actually took time off work to go shopping with Lin Xu?


    While Wen Li was still in shock, the short-haired woman continued, ¡°Didn¡¯t Ji Tingyang give you a ck Card before? Howe it ended up in that woman¡¯s hands?¡±


    Wen Li subconsciously replied, ¡°I gave it back to him.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to use Ji Tingyang¡¯s money.


    Then, the short-haired woman¡¯s voice exploded through the phone like fireworks, ¡°You gave it back to him?! Are you crazy? He¡¯s willing to spend money on you and you refuse it, are you still hung up on that poor guy?¡±


    ¡°He can¡¯t even afford a bouquet of flowers, what kind of life can he give you? A love without material aspects is like sand falling through fingers, don¡¯t you understand that?¡±

 Chapter 7: It was you who provoked me first.

    Chapter 7: Chapter 7: It was you who provoked me first.


    After Lin Xu finished buying clothes, she went on to look at shoes and handbags. Just as she was excited to move onto jewelry, Ji Tingyang immediately stopped her.


    ¡°It¡¯s already noon. Aren¡¯t you hungry? Let¡¯s go have something to eat before we continue shopping; otherwise, you¡¯ll run out of energy to walkter.¡±


    Lin Xu hadn¡¯t felt it before, but hearing him say that made her feel hungry, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go have lunch then.¡±


    Ji Tingyang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.


    The driver had already been waiting at the entrance of the mall, and the two headed straight for the car.


    Suddenly, the giant electronic screen on the building across the mall switched disys. A handsome man with well-defined facial features appeared on the screen. He lifted the corners of his lips, showing a charming smile and gently kissed the perfume bottle he was holding near his lips.


    In an instant, the women on the street stopped,pletely mesmerized, wishing they were the ones being kissed.


    ¡°Ah! It¡¯s Ji Zeqiu!¡±


    ¡°Husband, don¡¯t kiss it, kiss me!¡±


    ¡°If I use this perfume, it¡¯s almost like my husband is kissing me, right? Ah!! I need to buy it all!¡±


    The screams ebbed and flowed among the crowd, all showcasing how popr Ji Zeqiu was.


    Lin Xu stared at the screen showing a face that resembled Ji Tingyang by sixty to seventy percent and was stunned for a long moment. ¡°Is that¡­ Zeqiu?¡±


    Ji Tingyang also saw the person on the screen. His expression was indifferent as he pursed his lips and responded, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Zeqiu is a big star now? That¡¯s impressive.¡±


    While Lin Xu was unconscious, she had only seen bits and pieces of her three children¡¯s experiences and their ultimate oues in visions. She knew nothing else.


    In all these days, Ji Tingyang had never mentioned his younger brother and sister, so what she could know was even less.


    Nevertheless, Lin Xu hadn¡¯t expected that the baby her mother used to hold all day had be a household name star overnight.


    Excited, Lin Xu gazed at the electronic screen, trying to take a longer look at her younger son¡¯s handsome face. However, the ad on the screen was short-lived and quickly moved to another advertisement.


    During lunch, Lin Xu was continuously searching for information about Ji Zeqiu on her phone.


    The information recorded all the hard times he had been through from his debut to his rise to fame, and the more she read, the tighter her brows furrowed.


    Lin Xu was upset that she hadn¡¯t been part of her children¡¯s growing up, so she read the information very seriously. She tried to imprint everything into her brain and then deceitfully convinced herself that she had been part of their experiences.


    However, she was so focused on the information that shepletely failed to notice the times Ji Tingyang¡¯s face showed aplex expression that he tried to speak but stopped himself.


    Lin Xu¡¯s gaze fell on the entertainmentpany where Ji Zeqiu was signed and discovered it was Chenxing Entertainment. She suddenly lifted her head, looking at Ji Tingyang with a mixture of shock and confusion.


    ¡°Chenxing is our family group¡¯spetitor, right?¡±


    In her memory, Chenxing had always been Ji Group¡¯spetitor. Had it been acquired by Ji¡¯s over the years?


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ji Tingyang¡¯s reply shattered herst illusion.


    ¡°Why would Zeqiu be at Chenxing? Doesn¡¯t the Ji family have its own entertainmentpany?¡±


    Lin Xu had always thought that Ji Zeqiu debuted under Ji Family¡¯s entertainment subsidiary, so when others mentioned how difficult and challenging his rise to fame was before bing well-known, she felt both distressed and confused.


    Why would it be so difficult in his own family¡¯spany, especially when Ji Tingyang was supposedly looking out for him?


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It all became clear to her once she saw whichpany Ji Zeqiu was affiliated with.


    Ji Tingyang, under the scrutinizing gaze of Lin Xu, eyes focused on the sharp point of a knife on the dining table, remained silent.


    ¡°Did you two have a fight?¡±


    Having heard from Ji Tingyang previously that his younger son and daughter didn¡¯t oftene home, she had already been suspicious. But now, Ji Tingyang¡¯s taciturn attitude further confirmed her suspicions.


    As Lin Xu contemted the plot of the novel, a sudden suspicion arose in her heart.


    Could it be because of Wen Li?


    She remembered that the plot mentioned both antagonistic sons liking Wen Li, which caused a rift between the two brothers?


    The more Lin Xu thought about it, the more she felt she had uncovered the truth.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Distracted by her thoughts, Lin Xu lost the mood to continue shopping in the afternoon and asked the driver to turn around back to the vi.


    This relieved Ji Tingyang, sparing him from the torturous shopping experience.


    He couldn¡¯t understand how his father had endured it in the past, able to shop with his mother all day without tiring.


    His tie hung loosely around his neck, adding a touch of careless charm.


    Ji Tingyang was about to head to the bedroom when his gaze fell upon the door at the end of the hall, and he changed direction.


    He pushed open the door, and Wen Li was on the phone with her back to him.


    ¡°The weather has cooled down, remember to wear more clothes¡­ Yes, I¡¯m fine here¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go on a date tomorrow¡­ It doesn¡¯t matter where we go as long as I¡¯m with you¡­¡±


    Her shy smile reflected on the windowpane, stinging Ji Tingyang¡¯s eyes.


    He walked over and snatched the phone from Wen Li¡¯s hand; the screen brightly disyed the name Xiao Yu.


    Wen Li turned pale and reached to snatch the phone back.


    Ji Tingyang was quicker, hung up the call, and furiously threw the phone to the ground. He grasped her chin tightly and said harshly,


    ¡°Wen Li, I allowed you to go out, not to set dates with Xiao Yu.¡±


    Wen Li¡¯s eyes instantly welled up with tears, and she choked out, ¡°You have someone new now, why can¡¯t you let me go?¡±


    Neer?


    Ji Tingyang hadn¡¯t yet realized who she was referring to when he heard Wen Li continue, ¡°Isn¡¯t Lin Xu already with you? You¡¯re giving her your card, buying her clothes; why can¡¯t you just let me go?¡±


    Ji Tingyang hesitated, wanting to say that Lin Xu was only his mother. But given Lin Xu¡¯s youthful appearance now, that statement was hard to believe.


    All he could muster was a dry denial, ¡°She, she isn¡¯t¡­ not what you think¡­¡±


    Tears finally slid down Wen Li¡¯s cheeks, dropping onto the back of his hand. She said vulnerably, ¡°I beg you to let me leave; there¡¯s no chance for us.¡±


    Ji Tingyang felt as though her tears scalded him, and he released his grip on her chin.


    He stood there before murmuring a denial, ¡°Wen Li, it was you who approached me first.¡±


    At that time, he was despondent due to his parents¡¯ deaths, and all the rtives in the Ji Family were seizing the opportunity to plunder what his father had built.


    Throughout that time, he was listless, and Wen Li was the first person to approach him voluntarily.


    ¡°If I could turn back time, I definitely would not choose to approach you,¡± said Wen Li coldly, tears in her eyes.


    Upon hearing her words, Ji Tingyang¡¯s face paled as he stared intently at Wen Li.


    After a long moment, he turned and left.


    Before he left, he dropped a ruthless remark.


    ¡°I will tell the butler that you are to rest at home tomorrow.¡±

 Chapter 8 - 8 "You will never leave me in this lifetime.

    Chapter 8: Chapter 8 ¡°You will never leave me in this lifetime.


    Even though she had to reluctantly return to the Ji Family home every night, Wen Li was still very happy to have seen the sunlight again for the past few days. However, a single sentence from Ji Tingyang once again imprisoned her in a cage.


    Those who have seen the light always find it hard to endure the darkness.


    Wen Li might have had a gentle nature, but after Ji Tingyang left, she also threw a tantrum, smashing everything in the room that could be smashed.


    She even refused to have dinner.


    The butler, carrying the untouched dinner tray, came downstairs, trembling with trepidation, and said to Ji Tingyang, ¡°Lady Wen won¡¯t open the door.¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s face was frosty, and he got up coldly, his chair scraping against the marble floor with a sharp, grating noise.


    The atmosphere in the living room turned to ice, as if one had fallen into an ice cer, shivering uncontrobly.


    The surrounding nannies and butlers dared not even breathe, doing their best to be invisible.


    Ji Tingyang walked towards Wen Li¡¯s room, he twisted the doorknob, but it did not budge, locked from the inside.


    Before he could say a word, something smashed against the door, and with a crash, pieces fell to the floor.


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Wen Li¡¯s voice was choked with sobs, as she hysterically yelled.


    ¡°Tell Ji Tingyang that unless he lets me out tomorrow, I will starve myself!¡±


    Ji Tingyang closed his lips that had been about to speak, half his body shrouded in the shadows of the light, his dark pupils growing even more somber and menacing.


    He turned to the butler next to him and said, ¡°Since she wants to starve herself, let her wish be granted; no one is allowed to bring her food!¡±


    Having said that, he turned and went downstairs.


    In less than a moment, the sound of a car¡¯s engine roared to life in the garage, and it drifted away from the vi, growing fainter and fainter.


    In the club¡¯s private room, several men were cheerfully toasting to Ji Tingyang.


    ¡°President Ji actually chose not to stay at home with the beauty today, but joined us for drinks instead. This is indeed rare,¡± one of themmented.


    Everyone in the circle knew that Ji Tingyang kept a delicate flower at home, so bewitched was he that he hardly went to the office anymore, almost as if he feared she might run away; he stayed at home all day long.


    Ji Tingyang ignored their teasing and didn¡¯t care about how strong the drinks were on the table, just picking them up and guzzling them down.


    The burning sensation spread from his throat to his stomach and then throughout his body, as if it could numb the pain in his heart.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression gradually became vacant, and the exmations of his good drinking capacity dissipated from his ears. He seemed to return to the afternoon when he first met Wen Li.


    He was 16 then, and it had been nine years since his parents died. His aunt and uncle reluctantly took in the three siblings, lured by their father¡¯s substantial inheritance.


    But that was barely enough to keep them from starving; there wasn¡¯t much more.


    Every morning before the chauffeur took them to school, Ji Tingyang would see his aunt caressing her son¡¯s head with a loving expression, wishing him a happy, safe, and smooth day, and if she was in a good mood, she¡¯d kiss his cheek too.


    Every time he saw this scene, Ji Tingyang would miss the gentle visage of his own mother, and the sourness in his heart would churn, causing his eyes to redden before he hastily looked away.


    His cousin was particrly resentful of them staying at his house and would pick on them on purpose.


    He would hold back a bit at home, but outside, he was unrestrained.


    One noon after school, Ji Tingyang was dragged into a corner of the academic building by this cousin and beaten up.


    Although Ji Tingyang was lean, fighting back was easy for him, but he couldn¡¯t.


    Because for every act of resistance, his cousin would seek retribution double-fold from his younger brother and sister at home, so Ji Tingyang could only endure it silently.


    It didn¡¯t matter; he had grown ustomed to it. Once he came of age, he would take back the family inheritance, move out with his brother and sister, and everything would get better.


    Ji Tingyangforted himself with this thought, numbing his mind.


    His vision gradually blurred, and his mind began to swirl with confusion.


    ¡°What are you doing! Stop it, or I¡¯ll call the teacher!¡±


    The sweet voice, tinged with a barely perceptible tremble, rang out. The girl, who looked much younger than him, was clearly afraid, yet she bravely stepped forward.


    ¡°Mind your own business, or I¡¯ll hit you too,¡± the cousin threatened fiercely.


    The little girl clutched the straps of her backpack nervously, ¡°I already told the teacher, he¡¯ll be here to catch you soon!¡±


    Telling the teacher was shameful, but effective.


    Teachers naturally intimidated students, and after a few seconds of hesitation, he turned and ran off.


    Seeing the girl¡¯s subtle sigh of relief, Ji Tingyang knew her words were a lie.


    He slowly got up from the ground, clutching his bruised arm, and made his way step by step toward the school gate.


    The little girl followed behind him, chattering, ¡°Hey, I helped you, don¡¯t I get even a thank you?¡±


    ¡°Your hand is hurt, are you going to go back like this? Your family will be worried.¡±


    Ji Tingyang paused, thought of his younger brother and sister, and for the first time, hesitation crossed his emotionless face.


    The little girl bit her lip and mustered a second burst of courage, pulling him to sit down on a nearby stone staircase. Then she took several adhesive bandages out of her bag and patched up his wounds.


    Ji Tingyang remained still, letting her fuss over him, his attention drawn to a mother and child by the roadside.


    The little boy pointed at an ice cream shop, tugging at his mother¡¯s sleeve and whining, seemingly wanting some ice cream.


    The mother squatted down, said something to him that made the boyugh out loud, and he no longer begged for the ice cream.


    The mother gently touched the boy¡¯s head, as if praising his good behavior, causing the boy to blush with a mix of pride and shyness.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s hand, which hung by his side, clenched involuntarily into a fist; the image of his mother was bing blurrier, even the warm feeling of her caress in his memory was fading away.


    He tried desperately to remember, to recapture that warm sensation of love, to grasp it tightly and never let go¡­


    Suddenly.


    A small handnded on his head and gave it a gentle rub¡ªthe warmth he yearned for¡­


    Ji Tingyang looked up, his dark pupils narrowing, fixated on the little girl before him.


    The girl was startled by his ominous gaze, retracting her hand in fear and exining cautiously, ¡°I saw you looking over there with envy, I thought you might want someone to touch your head too, so I¡­¡±


    Had she misunderstood?


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    How embarrassing.


    Ji Tingyang stood up and grabbed her wrist forcefully, causing her to let out a soft hiss of pain.


    He opened his mouth, straining his voice that had been silent for too long, to utter the first words she heard from him.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Wen¡­ Wen Li.¡±


    In the blink of an eye, the lonely, wounded boy had grown up into a grim and frightening man, keeping her captive in a luxurious vi.


    He gripped her hands above her head, leaned down over her, and pinned her to the bed.


    Another well-defined hand squeezed her neck, his eyes full of obsession and persistence, clinging to her like a demon.


    ¡°Wen Li, you¡¯ll never escape me in this lifetime.¡±

 Chapter 9 - 9 "Don’t Leave Me Behind...

    Chapter 9: Chapter 9 ¡°Don¡¯t Leave Me Behind¡­


    Wen Li suddenly awoke from her sleep, sitting up and massaging her temples, feeling a trace of dampness before she realized her forehead was already covered with cold sweat.


    She hadn¡¯t expected to dream of Ji Tingyang while sleeping; he was not only persistent in reality but also relentless even in her dreams.


    Just as she had told Ji Tingyang that day, if she had known he would one day confine her like a vengeful snake trapping its prey, she would have definitely stayed as far away from that corner as possible.


    She wiped the sweat with the back of her hand, patted her flustered chest, and began to feel calmer when she caught a glimpse of the ringing phone on the bedside table.


    Turning her body, she nced at the caller ID¡ªit was from Ji Tingyang.


    She hesitated for a few seconds between hanging up and answering before finally picking up.


    ¡°Unless you¡¯re calling to tell me you¡¯ll let me go out tomorrow, then just forget it¡­¡±


    ¡°Lady Wen, I¡¯m President Ji¡¯s friend. He¡¯s had too much drink at the club, could youe and pick him up?¡±


    The caller¡¯s voice was loud and seemed to be slurred from drinking too much.


    There had been simr incidents before; when Ji Tingyang got drunk outside, someone would always call her without asking to pick him up.


    ¡°I¡¯m busy, please call the butler.¡±


    Wen Li declined as usual without waiting for a response and quickly hung up, then turned off her phone to prevent those people from calling persistently.


    She theny back in bed, pulled the covers, and buried her head deep into her bedding.


    On the other end, the person was practiced; in no time, the butler¡¯s phone rang, ¡°¡­ Yes, thank you.¡±


    Lin Xu was just getting water in the kitchen when she came out and heard the butler¡¯s frantic, ¡°I¡¯ll head over right away.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± she asked casually.


    The butler, who had not worked for the Ji Family for long and therefore did not recognize Lin Xu, hade to understand after a few days that President Ji treated her quite differently.


    In front of this Miss Lin, President Ji¡¯s vtile temper always seemed to be very gentle.


    He had spected that maybe Miss Lin was Ji¡¯s new love interest, but their interactions did not resemble those of lovers, they seemed more like¡­ rtives?


    But whatever the rtionship, he dared not neglect Lin Xu, and so he immediately replied: ¡°Miss Lin, President Ji got drunk at the club, he asked me to go and pick him up.¡±


    Drunk?


    Lin Xu stared nkly, ¡°Is it for business?¡±


    The butler looked at her and hesitated: ¡°President Ji is probably, well, in a bad mood today¡­¡±


    There had been several asions before when Ji Tingyang and Wen Li had a huge argument, and he would end up drinking himself into a stupor at the club.


    Remembering the quarrel between the two that afternoon, this time was likely no exception.


    Lin Xu also thought of Wen Li upstairs and sighed inwardly.


    ¡ª-


    In the club.


    A few young masters continued to pour drink for Ji Tingyang, pushing the women beside them onto him.


    ¡°President Ji, there are so many women in this world, why pine for just one? Look at this flower, so delicate and tender, try her out and you¡¯re guaranteed to like her.¡±


    They all knew Ji Tingyang was throwing his life away over a woman who didn¡¯t appreciate him. They didn¡¯t normally connect, but whenever they were called out to drink, it was clear Ji Tingyang got hurt by his ¡®canary¡¯ at home and was drowning his sorrows.


    They were curious about what kind of woman could drive Ji Tingyang to this state of utter despair.


    However, Ji Tingyang kept that woman very closely protected; no one had ever seen her, only knew a name¡ªWen Li.


    Though they were just fair-weather friends, they still tried to persuade Ji Tingyang not to hang himself over Wen Li.


    In the midst of their talk, one young master pushed the woman against Ji Tingyang¡¯s arm.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s brows were tightly furrowed, and his gloomy, cold eyes swept over the woman before he spat out a chilling word: ¡°Scram.¡±


    The woman was so frightened by his intimidating gaze that she felt a chill in her heart, her heart trembled, but she dared not get any closer.


    ¡°Worthless, you¡¯re useless even when given an opportunity,¡± the young master disdainfully pulled the woman aside.


    He turned his head and scolded the club manager, ¡°Didn¡¯t you see that President Ji is dissatisfied with the women here? What other beauties do you have? Call them all over!¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, I¡¯ll call them right away,¡± the manager nodded and bowed profusely.


    After a moment, a woman pushed the door open and entered.


    The woman was wearing a form-fitting long dress, perfectly showcasing her exquisite figure.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She walked slowly in delicate white high heels, and her chestnut-colored long hair was casually draped over her shoulders, unstyled. Her delicate features were stunningly beautiful and luminous, her pale white skin appeared even more like creamy jade under the light, instantly attracting everyone¡¯s attention.


    The eyes of the young masters in the private room brightened instantly, their faces full of eagerness.


    Only one thought remained in their minds.


    Such a beauty.


    The young master nearest to the door had the advantage of proximity and quickly stood up to greet her. He reached out to embrace her slender waist, but she deftly avoided him.


    Normally, he would have cursed a few words at her prudishness.


    But now, he couldn¡¯t muster any irritation and even consoled himself.


    It¡¯s alright, beauties are entitled to their caprices.


    ¡°Miss, may I ask how to address you?¡± he asked with a smile.


    ¡°My surname is Lin.¡±


    ¡°Miss Lin, shall we have a drink?¡±


    ¡°No, thank you, I¡¯m here for Ji Tingyang.¡± She looked around the private room, and upon seeing Ji Tingyang, she walked straight over and took the wine ss from his hand. ¡°Stop drinking, we should go home now.¡±


    ¡°Home?¡± Ji Tingyang murmured, his consciousness was beginning to blur.


    Where was his home?


    His home had scattered twenty years ago¡­


    Lin Xu¡¯s voice was soft as she stroked his head, ¡°Yes, we¡¯re going home, I¡¯m here to pick you up.¡±


    Ji Tingyang looked up, the person in front of him seemed blurry. He strained his eyes, trying to make out who she was.


    Finally, he recognized the person from deep within his memories.


    Ji Tingyang grasped her hand in disbelief, his voice as light as if a breeze could blow it away, ¡°Mom?¡±


    His grip grew tighter, as though he wanted to clutch her to him forever. His voice was so fragile, ¡°Don¡¯t leave me behind¡­¡±


    Don¡¯t leave the three of them alone in this world¡­


    A sharp pain suddenly shot through Lin Xu¡¯s chest, as if it was being pricked by dense needles, and the corners of her eyes reddened.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I won¡¯t leave you behind again. I¡¯ll take you home now, is that okay?¡±


    Ji Tingyang nodded and stood up obediently, but his hand still clung to her fearfully.


    The young masters in the private room were dumbfounded by Ji Tingyang¡¯spliant behavior towards this woman.


    They hadn¡¯t heard Ji Tingyang¡¯s reference to Lin Xu; they only heard his plea for her not to leave him behind.


    Could this person be his long-yearned-for Wen Li?


    But the woman clearly stated her surname was Lin, so was Ji Tingyang drowning his sorrows in alcohol tonight because of another woman?

 Chapter 10 - 10 "Don’t touch her.

    Chapter 10: Chapter 10 ¡°Don¡¯t touch her.


    As Lin Xu was about to leave with Ji Tingyang, a man hurriedly spoke up, ¡°Hey, hey, hey, don¡¯t go just yet.¡±


    Lin Xu turned back, ¡°Is there something else?¡±


    The man, also slightly drunk, stood up and staggered over, his eyes fixed intently on Lin Xu, ¡°Don¡¯t rush off, you¡¯re already here. Why don¡¯t we all have a few drinks together?¡±


    ¡°Ji Tingyang is intoxicated; I need to take him home first,¡± Lin Xu gently declined.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As for whether she woulde back after taking him home, that was another matter altogether.


    The man, under the influence of alcohol, evidently couldn¡¯t understand the subtext in her words and pointed to a sofa nearby, ¡°Just throw him on the couch to sleep it off. Come on, let¡¯s have a few drinks.¡±


    As he spoke, he reached out to pull Lin Xu.


    Many men in the club, once drunk, seemed to reveal their true nature, liking to make unwanted advances on young women.


    Lin Xu¡¯s brows furrowed, and as she was about to dodge to the side, someone preempted her by stopping the man¡¯s actions.


    His hand was restrained, and the person held him with considerable strength. He tried to retract his hand but couldn¡¯t break free.


    ¡°Who is it!¡±


    The man looked up, annoyed, and red over, but the next second his eyes met Ji Tingyang¡¯s dark gaze.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s previously hazy demeanor was gone, reced by a terrifying coldness in his eyes, and a faint menace emanated from his person, ¡°Don¡¯t touch her.¡±


    The pressure from Ji Tingyang¡¯s hand grew heavier, and his grasp made bones creak ominously as if they were about to break.


    The man suddenly felt sober from the pain, with cold sweat beading on his forehead, and he pleaded, ¡°Yes, yes, President Ji, I was wrong, please let me go¡­¡±


    Lin Xu ced her hand on Ji Tingyang¡¯s arm, signaling something, and in an instant, Ji Tingyang released his grip, tossing the man¡¯s hand aside.


    It wasn¡¯t until Lin Xu and Ji Tingyang had left that the frozen atmosphere seemed to thaw, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Old Lan, you even dare to mess with Ji Tingyang¡¯s people? Are you tired of living?¡± someone chided nearby.


    The man rubbed his wrist, which was still sore, and was filled with fear, ¡°I was just drunk, why didn¡¯t any of you stop me?¡±


    They all knew that thest person who had verbally harassed Wen Li from afar was run into the ground financially by Ji¡¯spany; that person hadn¡¯t even met Wen Li and ended up in such a plight.


    If he had actually made a move just now, heaven knows what terrifying consequences would have followed.


    However, after this incident, they all reached a consensus in their minds.


    Ji Tingyang had finally cast aside the canary from his home and had found a new love.


    And the new love that everyone spected about was at that moment sitting in the car with a cold face, silently looking down at her phone.


    Since leaving the club, Ji Tingyang had sobered up quite a bit. He nced at Lin Xu next to him, and seeing that she was silent, he became increasingly anxious.


    It seemed like just a few days ago, Lin Xu had said that if he went to nightclubs to learn bad habits, she wouldn¡¯t allow him toe home.


    Though that wasn¡¯t quite right¡ªhe had just been to a private club.


    With this thought, Ji Tingyang straightened his back slightly.


    ¡°Were those people your friends?¡± Lin Xu was the first to break the silence in the car.


    Ji Tingyang couldn¡¯t quite gauge the meaning of her question, ¡°Not¡­ really.¡±


    ¡°Those few people looked unreliable at a nce, talking and acting so slick and without manners. They start pawing at a girl the moment they see one.¡± In just a few minutes and a brief encounter, Lin Xu had umted a heap of dissatisfaction with those men, ¡°Stay away from them in the future if you can, just to be careful you don¡¯t get led astray. If you ever¡­¡±


    It¡¯s as if bing a mother imbues a love for nagging at their children, admonishing them not to do this or that.


    In the past, Ji Tingyang always heard his ssmatesin about how annoying their mothers were, even interfering with whom they befriended.


    At that time, he couldn¡¯t help but envy and wonder, what would that feel like?


    So it turned out to be really that nagging, huh.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s body rxed, leaning against the back seat, a faint, almost imperceptible smile curling on his lips. Listening to the unending chatter beside his ear, he felt an inexplicable warmth in his chest.


    Suddenly, the nagging voice came to an automatic halt.


    ¡°¡­Am I being too meddlesome?¡± Lin Xu¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of annoyance.


    She remembered that many rebellious kids began their defiance because of too much parental control, eventually leading to discord within the family.


    As a child, she hated her parents¡¯ constant nagging in her ear and had secretly vowed never to be such a person, aspiring to be a new era mother.


    Before heading to the club, she had braced herself, but upon arriving and seeing Ji Tingyang being dragged around, drunk to the point of oblivion, anger still red up inside her.


    She had held back her frustration all the way, yet in the end, she couldn¡¯t help but give him a dressing-down.


    Thinking about how she had inevitably be the very person she despised when she grew up, Lin Xu¡¯s emotions suddenly plummeted.


    Anyone unaware of the situation might have assumed Lin Xu was the one who just received a lecture.


    Ji Tingyang immediately took a stance, ¡°No, you can manage however you want.¡±


    However, his words failed to lift her sagging spirits.


    Ji Tingyang opened his mouth to speak, but unfortunately, he too was a president who loved to lecture on ordinary days, and now he couldn¡¯t muster any words offort.


    His mind raced, and catching a glimpse of a barbecue stall outside the car, he quickly said, ¡°Let¡¯s go have some barbecue?¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    At a roadside stall, Lin Xu¡¯s table was covered with te after te of grilled meat skewers, emitting a tantalizing aroma after being roasted over charcoal.


    Taking a beef skewer to her mouth, the tender juices burst in her mouth as she happily swung her legs back and forth, as if the previous heaviness in the car was just an illusion.


    Ji Tingyang secretly heaved a sigh of relief.


    Thankfully, he remembered his mother loved barbecues, and whenever she felt down, his father would sneak her out. When they returned home, his mother¡¯s mood would always be exceptionally joyful and buoyant.


    The two of them thought they were hiding it well, yet they overlooked the scent of barbecue on their clothes.


    Every time he saw them acting secretively, he would sneer with disdain.


    He didn¡¯t like the roadside stalls at all, not sanitary in the slightest, and even if they took him there, he wouldn¡¯t go.


    Yet he hadn¡¯t expected that one day, he would take the initiative to bring Lin Xu to a roadside barbecue stall.


    ¡°Thismb skewer is delicious, try a bite,¡± Lin Xu offered the skewer in her hand to him.


    Ji Tingyang took it from her, looking at the meat skewer before him, and after hesitating for a moment under Lin Xu¡¯s expectant gaze, he bit into it.


    ¡°Not bad.¡±


    It was actually pretty delicious.


    Lin Xu¡¯s eyes crinkled with joy, ¡°Your dad used to sneak me out for barbecues all the time, I had always wanted to invite you and your siblings too, but your dad said it was our own little world just for the two of us¡­ ¡±


    Ji Tingyang fell silent.


    That was entirely like something that man, who used to monopolize his mother¡¯s time, would say.


    Lin Xu said, ¡°I always regretted not being able to go out for barbecue together, but now that wish hase true. If next time we could also invite Zeqiu and your sister, that would be even better.¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s thumb rubbed the water ss on the table, and after a long while, he finally said, ¡°We will.¡±

 Chapter 11 - 11 The skill of chasing people is too poor

    Chapter 11: Chapter 11 The skill of chasing people is too poor


    ¡°`


    Because of the beer she had while eating barbecue that night, Lin Xu¡¯s head was heavy and dizzy, so she slept until nearly noon before waking up.


    She rubbed her head as she walked out of her room, and just as she was about to go downstairs, she heard the sound of intense and erratic arguinging from the room at the end of the hallway.


    Lin Xu¡¯s heart stirred, and she walked towards it.


    The clearer sound of arguing seeped through the slightly ajar door.


    Wen Li had been injured somewhere, as her arm bore a fresh and ringly red scar, and herplexion was terribly pale.


    She sat on the sofa, stubbornly biting her red lips and turning her head away, refusing to look at Ji Tingyang.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s face was as cold as ever; as he looked at the wound on her hand, he intended to say somethingforting, but when he started to speak, it turned into sarcasm, ¡°Wen Li, you really are capable, climbing walls for a man.¡±


    The wall in the backyard was very high, topped with a thorny anti-theft. A security guard happened to spot Wen Li attempting to climb it during his patrol and called out.


    Wen Li was startled, and in her carelessness, her arm was shed with a horrifying wound, and she fell off the wall in pain, her face twisting.


    But no matter how much it hurt, she was unwilling topromise with Ji Tingyang.


    At that moment, someone was tending to her wound, but she pulled her hand back, ¡°Leave me alone.¡±


    She had the air of someone who would rather bleed to death than let Ji Tingyang dictate her actions that day.


    The person withdrew their hand, skillfully stood aside, and looked up at the sky as if they were used to their quarrel and were just waiting for them to finish before, under the threat of Ji Tingyang, they would forcibly treat Wen Li¡¯s wound and then clock out for the day.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression turned cold, his fingers tightly gripping her chin as he stared into her eyes, ¡°Wen Li, who gave you the courage to threaten me over a man?¡±


    Wen Li clenched her teeth and remained silent.


    ¡°Since you don¡¯t want treatment, then as you wish. I hope you canst till the end and not beg me for mercy,¡± Ji Tingyang let go and walked away.


    As soon as he opened the door, he bumped right into Lin Xu.


    He paused for a moment and then saw Lin Xu shaking her head and clicking her tongue.


    ¡°Son, where did you learn your courting skills? They are awful.¡±


    ¡°What¡­ what?¡±


    ¡°Women need to be pampered. If your dad treated me like you do, I would have dumped him long ago. You should learn more from your father.¡±


    Ji Tingyang remembered how his father was alwayspliant and whipped by his mother, and for a moment, he felt disdainful.


    He didn¡¯t manage his facial expression well, and the disdain showed, which resulted in a p from Lin Xu.


    ¡°Forget it, let me teach you,¡± Lin Xu said, eager to try.


    Because she had missed out on twenty years of her son¡¯s life and hadn¡¯t had the chance to guide him in many matters, not even fulfilling much of a mother¡¯s responsibilities.


    Now that Ji Tingyang was all grown up, he no longer needed guidance with his studies, and the business affairs of thepany were tooplex for her to teach anything about.


    Today, she had stumbled upon an opportunity where she could make a difference.


    Possibly, with her personal supervision and guidance, she might save her son from continuing down the path of a twisted viin.


    The more Lin Xu thought about it, the more excited she became.


    She urged Ji Tingyang to have someone properly bandage Wen Li¡¯s wound first.


    Ji Tingyang pursed his lips; he had just given the cold shoulder a moment ago, and it wasn¡¯t like him to backtrack so quickly.


    He was about to refuse when the memory of Lin Xu¡¯s look of disappointment the night before shed through his mind.


    In front of his long-lost mother, where he was finally feeling a bit of maternal love, he still wanted to be a good son.


    Reluctantly, Ji Tingyang had no choice but to allow the person next to him to go back in and bandage Wen Li¡¯s wound.


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it, my son is really good,¡± Lin Xu said, especially fond of stroking his head.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ji Tingyang didn¡¯t resist; instead, hepliantly bowed his head.


    ¡°`


    Inside the room.


    Wen Li pulled out tissue after tissue, sobbing as she wiped away her tears.


    The ringtone of the mobile phone on the bed suddenly rang, and she picked it up to see, the caller ID ringly showing the name Xiao Yu.


    She paused for a moment, and just before the ring was about to disconnect, she snapped back to reality and hurriedly answered the call.


    ¡°Xiao Yu¡­¡± Wen Li began, her voice thick with tears.


    The person on the other end of the line was taken aback for a moment, then frowned, ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡±


    ¡°I, I¡¯m okay,¡± she quickly replied.


    Xiao Yu was very perceptive; thinking of her weak nature, he immediately asked, ¡°Has someone bullied you?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that.¡± Wen Li hurried to cover up, ¡°I identally fell today and can¡¯t apany you to the movies. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    She secretly didn¡¯t want Xiao Yu to find out about Ji Tingyang.


    ¡°Are you hurt? How bad is it, are you still at home? I¡¯ll take you to the hospital!¡± Xiao Yu sounded somewhat anxious.


    Feeling the concern he had for her, a touch of warmth bubbled up in Wen Li¡¯s heart, a care she couldn¡¯t find with Ji Tingyang.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, you don¡¯t need toe over!¡± She wasn¡¯t staying at home right now; if Xiao Yu came over, she would give herself away.


    It took her thousands of words of persuasion to finally stop Xiao Yu from rushing over to take her to the hospital.


    ¡°Well, alright then, you must tell me if anything is wrong.¡±


    ¡°Sure, it¡¯s just a pity I can¡¯t go to the movies with you,¡± Wen Li said softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, there will be other chances for us to go together in the future.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Wen Li held the phone, smiling sweetly.


    The call went on and on with sugary affection before it finally ended.


    Xiao Yu looked at the phone which had long since disconnected; the ice cubes in his c had melted and the condensation on the exterior of the ss wetted his left hand.


    He was obviously waiting in the movie theater for quite a while, worried that something had happened to Wen Li, which made him call her.


    He turned and put the c on the trash can, crushing the two movie tickets in his pocket that had already passed showtime into a ball, and tossed them into the bin.


    Ignoring the flood of WeChat messages jumping out, he made a call to his boss, canceling his leave for the day and headed back to work.


    Last time, Wen Li seemed to take a liking to a ne, she didn¡¯t say it, but he still noticed, and he needed to earn the money for it as soon as possible.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Early the next morning, Wen Li hurriedly headed downstairs.


    Since she hadn¡¯t been able to go out yesterday, she had to set out early today to find Xiao Yu and exin.


    But her luck wasn¡¯t good, for she ran into Ji Tingyang just as he wasing out of the gym.


    He was wearing tight clothes suitable for working out, his muscle lines smooth and powerful beneath the fabric. His short, slightly damp hair from sweat, had water droplets sliding down from the tips, exuding a stable male scent.


    Wen Li was stunned, and it took her a moment to regain herposure, quickly looking away as a suspicious blush crept onto her ear tips.


    It was the first time she saw Ji Tingyang like this.


    Ji Tingyang, holding a towel, casually wiped his hair, ¡°Want to have breakfast?¡±


    Hecked the usual sharp confrontational tone. Instead, his voice was a rare calm.


    Wen Li was a bit unused to this, and declined instinctively, ¡°No thanks, I¡¯ll eat out.¡±


    Her words hinted at her intent to go out, while she stealthily stole another nce at Ji Tingyang with a nervous heart.


    Just when she thought that Ji Tingyang, like usual, would suddenly turn hostile and forbid her from going out, he merely responded with a calm expression.


    Even after Wen Li left the house, she couldn¡¯t fathom what his reaction meant.

 Chapter 12 - 12 "Who can hold on to this?

    Chapter 12: Chapter 12 ¡°Who can hold on to this?


    Wen Li didn¡¯t give Xiao Yu a heads-up before she secretly ran over to see him.


    At that time, Xiao Yu was working at the restaurant. There were quite a few customers, and he was busy serving them.


    It was not until he got a break that he realized Wen Li had arrived at some point.


    Seeing her, Xiao Yu was stunned for a moment, then his eyes lit up, and he quickly approached her.


    ¡°Why have youe?¡± Xiao Yu led her to a side table to sit down, ¡°I still have two hours before my shift ends, can you wait here for me for a bit?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Wen Li nodded happily, her lips curving upwards and staying that way.


    It wasn¡¯t easy toe out and see Xiao Yu, not to mention waiting two hours; even waiting a whole day didn¡¯t matter to her.


    Xiao Yu took the menu and handed it to Wen Li, ¡°Take a look and see what you¡¯d like to eat while you wait for me.¡±


    Wen Li, who hadn¡¯t had breakfast, casually picked a few of her favorite morning bites. She took out her wallet to pay, but Xiao Yu quickly stopped her.


    He clenched his teeth, steeled his heart, and yet put on a rxed face, ¡°I¡¯ll pay, I¡¯ve got an employee discount working here.¡±


    The girl he liked hade to see him; how could he, young and proud as he was, let her pay?


    But with this breakfast, his earnings for the day from his part-time job were all but spent.


    Wen Li, unaware of his thoughts, simply agreed without arguing when Xiao Yu insisted on paying.


    As the restaurant grew busier, Xiao Yu couldn¡¯t chat much before he had to turn around and get back to serving customers.


    Wen Li sat by herself, taking out her phone, buoyantly snapping away at the breakfast on the table.


    She then posted a status update on social media, ¡°A beautiful day starts with breakfast.¡±


    Upon refreshing her feed, she saw she already had instant likes.


    Wen Li clicked to see and immediately exited with disdain when she saw it was Ji Tingyang.


    Just as she returned to her messages, two texts popped up consecutively.


    Ji Tingyang had transferred 5200 yuan with a caring note telling her to eat more and buy anything she liked, and if it wasn¡¯t enough, to let him know.


    Who cares about his stinking money!


    Wen Li was furious with Ji Tingyang, feeling his transfer was an insult, and she grew even more disdainful.


    She deleted Ji Tingyang¡¯s chat thread, then checked the second message that hade from Xu Wei, a short-haired friend she hadst encountered with Lin Xu and Ji Tingyang at a mall.


    The first thing she saw was Xu Wei¡¯s critical words.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gone to see Xiao Yu again?!¡±


    Such a cheap breakfast could only be from Xiao Yu¡¯s making, she thought without doubt.


    Before she could reply, Xu Wei¡¯s messages came flooding in.


    ¡°Soy milk and dough fritters with in congee that just looking at kills the appetite, are you really satisfied with that?¡±


    Wen Li stubbornly retorted, ¡°As long as I¡¯m with Xiao Yu, I like whatever I eat.¡±


    ¡°You might enjoy it once or twice, but as time goes on and you¡¯re always worrying about household expenses, will you truly be happy? When Xiao Yu can¡¯t even afford to buy you a piece of clothing or jewelry you like, won¡¯t you feel disappointed?¡±


    Xu Wei earnestly advised her, hoping she wouldn¡¯t be blindly enamored with love.


    The opposition from two people instantly triggered Wen Li¡¯s rebellious spirit; they all doubted her rtionship with Xiao Yu, so she was determined to stay with him and prove their love until the end, debunking everyone¡¯s skepticism!


    So when Xu Wei¡¯s tedious messages came through again, Wen Li decisively blocked her, and blocked Ji Tingyang as well.


    The two hours quickly passed, and Xiao Yu headed towards the corner table only to find Wen Li with her head down furiously typing on her phone, pressing so hard as if intending to punch a hole through the screen.


    He chuckled softly and walked over, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Wen Li shook her head and nced at the time again, then asked excitedly, ¡°Are you off work?¡±


    ¡°Yes, where do you want to go? I¡¯m free this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Shall we go for a walk by the river?¡± Wen Li suggested.


    The riverside was close by, just a walk through the city center and a bit further.


    Xiao Yu nodded, his gaze catching the barely touched breakfast on the table, ¡°Didn¡¯t the breakfast suit your taste?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m already full.¡± Wen Li, not too bothered about the wasted food, excitedly pulled Xiao Yu out.


    Xiao Yu¡¯s brow slightly furrowed, a trace of barely noticeable dissatisfaction surfaced in his heart, but before he could even notice his own slight emotion, it was interrupted by Wen Li¡¯s excited voice.


    He smiled lightly, letting Wen Li lead him outside.


    Savoring their rare time alone, they did not immediately take the bus to the riverside station, but walked leisurely instead.


    Walking to the city center, Wen Li passed by the usual luxurious jewelry store, gazing at the exquisite nes disyed in the ss window on the street. The gemstones sparkled brilliantly under the sunlight, capturing her attention instantly.


    It was the sapphire ne she had spotted thest time she passed by. However, the ne bore a hefty price tag, far beyond what she could afford.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Xiao Yu urged from beside her.


    Wen Li turned her head and saw Xiao Yu¡¯s indifferent expression, noticing he didn¡¯t even ask if she liked it.


    Although she knew he didn¡¯t have the money to buy the ne, he could at least make a statement about earning money to buy it for her in the future.


    At that moment, she remembered what Xu Wei had said.


    ¡°When Xiao Yu can¡¯t even afford to buy you a piece of clothing or jewelry you like, won¡¯t you truly be disappointed?¡±


    Wen Li shook her head fiercely.


    No, no, she couldn¡¯t think like that.


    Xiao Yu was simply not good at this sort of flowery talk. Besides, she wasn¡¯t with Xiao Yu for the money. He worked so hard to earn money; it shouldn¡¯t be wasted foolishly on such things.


    She deleted the thoughts that shouldn¡¯t exist in her mind and continued with Xiao Yu toward the riverside.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Ji Mansion.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s facial expression had been icy and unpleasant ever since he discovered that Wen Li had blocked him, turning the surrounding atmosphere dark and oppressive.


    The household staff and the housekeeper didn¡¯t dare to breathe too loud, hastily lowering their presence to prevent Ji Tingyang¡¯s anger from turning towards them.


    At this time, only one person could ignore Ji Tingyang¡¯s rage and remain unharmed.


    Lin Xu walked over with freshly washed cherries, popping one into Ji Tingyang¡¯s mouth and sternly said, ¡°Eat some fruit to cool down your temper.¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s eyebrows twisted into a frown, and although cursing words rushed to his lips, his anger softened slightly when his eyes met Lin Xu¡¯s.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush, this is just the beginning. Plus, look at your conversation with Wen Li this morning, didn¡¯t you both not argue and was a lot calmer?¡± Lin Xu analyzed with him, ¡°This shows physical temptation still works.¡±


    Ji Tingyang recalled the workout clothes he wore this morning, intentionally showing off his physique, a sh of embarrassment crossing his face.


    Although he was reluctant to admit it, it seemed to be true.


    ¡°Did you find this out online?¡± Ji Tingyang asked.


    ¡°No, these are the tricks your dad used to use. Knowing I liked handsome guys, he¡¯d intentionally show off his abs in front of me. Who could resist that?¡± Lin Xu criticized.


    Ji Tingyang: ¡°¡­¡±

 Chapter 13 - 13 Awkwardness

    Chapter 13: Chapter 13 Awkwardness


    Ji Tingyang had never heard his parents¡¯ story; he was too young before, and even when Lin Xu spoke of it, he couldn¡¯t understand. Later, they had passed away as he grew up.


    Now, hearing Lin Xu bring it up, he suddenly became curious.


    ¡°Just because he showed off his abs, you went with him?¡± Ji Tingyang felt that was rather shallow of her.


    ¡°Not at all!¡± Lin Xu retorted, then shyly smiled, ¡°Of course, there was also your dad¡¯s financial onught.¡±


    He always liked to give her presents, from flowers and hair clips to jewelry and nes; there was always something every time they met.


    So much so that she often wondered if this man was intentionally using this method to elevate her standards to keep her from considering other suitors.


    Ji Tingyang thought he would hear about her well-considered reasons for choosing his father, but it was just for money?


    He disapproved, that still seemed shallow.


    ¡°These are all from my experience, listen to me and you won¡¯t go wrong!¡± Lin Xu said confidently, then started her enthusiastic talk, ¡°There was one time your dad¡­¡±


    Ji Tingyang harbored doubts, but still quietly listened to her, asionallyughing at how silly Lin Xu was to be fooled by his father¡¯s tricks.


    Time gradually passed, and Ji Tingyang didn¡¯t even notice; he hadpletely forgotten to check his phone during this time.


    He no longer felt annoyed or angry because of that blocked friend, he had even forgotten about Wen Li.


    The butlers and servants around breathed a sigh of relief, it seemed today President Ji wouldn¡¯t be quick to lose his temper and dock their bonuses.


    Miss Lin sure was their savior!


    Wen Li returned to the Ji Mansionter in the evening.


    Before she came back, she had been uneasy; she had blocked Ji Tingyang¡¯s WeChat.


    From her experience, he was definitely going to lose his temper at her, and perhaps lock her up again.


    With this fearful thought, Wen Li opened the door, expecting to see Ji Tingyang waiting at the entrance, ready to confront her the moment she walked in, but there was no one at the vestibule.


    Only further inside the living room, did bursts ofughter asionally sound.


    Wen Li walked over curiously and saw Ji Tingyang, who had been missing, and Lin Xu in the living room.


    The sofa was carelessly piled with clothes like a small mountain, and the table was covered withrge and small jewelry boxes.


    Lin Xu, holding a piece of clothing against herself, was struggling to ask Ji Tingyang for his opinion, ¡°Does it look good?¡±


    Ji Tingyang didn¡¯t hesitate: ¡°It looks good!¡±


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He had received a call from the manager of a high-end clothing store that afternoon, informing him thetest season¡¯s clothes had just arrived and asking if he wanted some delivered to the mansion.


    These clothes were usually bought for Wen Li, but she had never used them, and gradually, he had stopped mentioning them.


    While Ji Tingyang was hesitating, Lin Xu, who had heard the conversation on the phone, was especially excited.


    Without a second thought, she asked the manager to send the clothes over and to also bring some jewelry from the store.


    Seeing a business opportunity, the manager acted swiftly, and in less than an hour, all the clothes and jewelry were delivered.


    Then Lin Xu spent the afternoon in the living room, trying on clothes, asking Ji Tingyang about each one.


    At first, Ji Tingyang sincerely gave his opinions, but as the time Lin Xu spent fussing over the clothes grew longer, he began to tire.


    Eventually, he simply agreed that everything looked good, regardless of Lin Xu¡¯s questions.


    After all, even if they weren¡¯t good-looking, leaving them here was something he could easily afford.


    The two were engrossed with the clothes andpletely failed to notice Wen Li¡¯s return; it was a butler who first spotted her.


    ¡°Lady Wen, you¡¯re back?¡±


    Wen Li nodded in response, and then looked towards the sofa where Ji Tingyang had already seen her.


    Meeting his dark, deep eyes, her heartbeat suddenly quickened, and the air around seemed to still.


    Was he about to get angry?


    Wen Li clenched her hands in fear.


    ¡°Ting Yang, do you think this ne looks nice?¡± Lin Xu¡¯s voice suddenly rang out.


    Ji Tingyang turned his head at the sound and gave her a faint smile, saying it looked good.


    Get angry? Question her about the blocklist? Prohibit her from going out?


    None of these happened.


    Ji Tingyang just nced at her indifferently, then withdrew his gaze.


    Wen Li was dumbfounded; all the mental preparations she had just made were of no use.


    For a moment, she was at a loss, standing there stunned.


    If it had been any other time, Ji Tingyang ignoring her would have made her happy enough to eat two extra bowls of rice.


    In a daze, Wen Li saw the ne in Lin Xu¡¯s hand, her pupils shrinking in shock.


    It was the sapphire ne she had seen in the city center today, the one she had coveted for a long time!


    Its pricey tag had made her step back, yet, in a blink, Lin Xu had effortlessly acquired it. She tried it on, found it unsatisfactory, and tossed it back into the jewelry box on the table.


    Wen Li gazed at the ne, biting her lip.


    In the past, these gifts had always been given to her by Ji Tingyang, which she had always scorned; now, they were given to Lin Xu.


    She felt an awkward sensation of something that had once belonged to her being picked up by someone else.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m feeling a bit unwell; I¡¯ll go back to my room first,¡± Wen Li spoke, trying to regain Ji Tingyang¡¯s attention.


    Her voice wasn¡¯t loud, but since no one else was speaking at the time, everyone heard her.


    Ji Tingyang stood up, walked over to Wen Li, and touched her forehead to check her temperature, ¡°Where do you feel ufortable?¡±


    Wen Li dared not look at him, her heartbeat inexplicably quickening, ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ my head hurts a bit.¡±


    Lin Xu, recalling today¡¯s weather, asked, ¡°Could it be the wind today was too strong and made your head cold and painful? Should we call a doctor to have a look?¡±


    Ji Tingyang thought the same and was about to make a call when Wen Li stopped him with her hand.


    ¡°No, no need! I¡¯ll be fine after sleeping in my room for a bit.¡±


    Lin Xu said, ¡°Oh, then you should go back and sleep soon.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Wen Li didn¡¯t move but looked up hesitantly at Ji Tingyang.


    Ji Tingyang, perhaps understanding the meaning in her eyes, took the initiative to say, ¡°I¡¯ll take you to your room.¡±


    Wen Li agreed and followed him.


    Before going upstairs, she nced toward the living room. Lin Xu didn¡¯t mind at all that she called Ji Tingyang away; she was happily tidying up the clothes and jewelry on the couch.


    With too many things to handle alone, Lin Xu had to call the housekeeper to help her arrange them in the wardrobe.


    Busy till veryte, Lin Xu was so tired that she finished the water in her ss in one breath; not having enough, she went downstairs with her cup to get more water.


    Out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed the study lit up by light, thinking to herself, could it be that he¡¯s still working overtime at this hour?


    With that thought, Lin Xu pushed open the door of the study.


    Ji Tingyang seemed tired, leaning in his chair with his eyes closed, sleeping, with a pen still in his right hand, not forgetting his work.


    Lin Xu thought for a moment, went back to her room to get a small nket, and covered him gently with it.


    However, Ji Tingyang was a light sleeper, and the slight movement woke him up.


    His body tensed, and he opened his bleary eyes, then rxed again after seeing it was Lin Xu.


    Lin Xu, no longer afraid to wake him, directly called him to go to his room, ¡°If you¡¯re sleepy, go back to your room and sleep.¡±

 Chapter 14 - 14 Tombstone

    Chapter 14: Chapter 14 Tombstone


    Back when he lived at his aunt¡¯s house, his cousin would get tired while doing homeworkte at night and fall asleep at the table.


    Concerned he might catch a cold, Aunt would fetch a nket to cover him, and he watched this with some envy.


    Ji Tingyang wished someone would do the same for him, but as the eldest among his siblings, it was usually he who covered his sleeping brother and sister with nkets.


    When he first got to know Wen Li, she did cover him once. Her appearance seemed to fill a void in his heart.


    Later, when he saw his aunt praise his cousin for winning a first-ce prize, he also took his award certificate to Wen Li, hoping to receive the samemendation.


    His aunt celebrated his cousin¡¯s birthday, and on his own birthday, he went to see Wen Li as well¡­


    Butter, Wen Li¡¯s attention shifted from him to a poor boy, and the thought of even thest bit of warmth being stripped away frightened Ji Tingyang.


    He confined Wen Li in the vi, as if by doing so he could cling to thatst bit of warmth. In the end, however, Wen Li grew ever more frightened of him, and the remaining warmth between them disappeared entirely.


    The more he tried to hold onto something, the more it slipped away from him.


    It was the case with Wen Li, and so it was with his younger brother and sister¡­


    In a daze, Ji Tingyang pulled the nket closer, easing the weariness of his body¡ªhe pressed his nose into it, finding it wonderfully warm.


    ¡°There¡¯s a bit of paperwork I haven¡¯t finished. I¡¯ll go to bed after I¡¯m done,¡± he said, his voicezy from just having woken up.


    He had spent the day with Lin Xu and had yet to finish his work.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Lin Xu didn¡¯t insist, simply advising him to take care of himself before she went to rest.


    Ji Tingyang pinched the nket he was under and, on a whim, called out to stop her, ¡°Mom¡­¡±


    Lin Xu turned back, ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s throat tightened, ¡°I want noodles¡­¡±


    In the past, his aunt would cook a bowl of noodles for his cousin when she pitied howte he stayed up doing homework.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He had never tasted them before.


    After calling out to Lin Xu, he felt somewhat uneasy. Such a thing could simply be requested from Aunt Zhang; there was no need to bother her.


    What if Lin Xu got angry, finding him troublesome?


    Lin Xu was surprised but found it intriguing.


    She had seen little Ji Tingyang act coquettish many times, but to see CEO Ji Tingyang act this way was a first.


    Lin Xu chuckled, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go make them now.¡±


    Having said that, she left the study.


    Ji Tingyang turned his attention to the documents on the desk, nning to finish them before eating the noodles, but he kept looking up at the door, clearly his mind was not on the work anymore.


    After looking for over ten minutes, he hadn¡¯t even finished the first line.


    In less than half an hour, Ji Tingyang felt for the first time as if time was dragging on endlessly.


    As he anxiously waited, Lin Xu finally brought in a bowl of steaming scallion noodles.


    The bowl was too hot, and she hurriedly ced it on the table, turning the unfinished document into a makeshift cemat.


    Lin Xu didn¡¯t see it, but Ji Tingyang, who did notice, didn¡¯t mind at all.


    ¡°Quickly try it and tell me how it tastes?¡± Lin Xu asked excitedly.


    Lin Xu rarely entered the kitchen, being the type of daughter brought up in wealth, so she never needed to cook. After she got married, she did try once or twice to fry some sweet and sour pork ribs for her husband.


    The pork ribs didn¡¯t look appealing, and tasted even worse.


    Her confidence took a hit, and she never set foot in the kitchen again afterward.


    For today¡¯s bowl of noodles, Lin Xu had prepared thoroughly, even searching for recipes from famous chefs and following them, which is why it had taken her twice the time.


    Under Lin Xu¡¯s expectant gaze, Ji Tingyang picked up the chopsticks and took a bite without hesitation, ¡°Delicious.¡±


    Lin Xu asked doubtfully, ¡°Really?¡±


    Ji Tingyang smiled, ¡°Really.¡±


    It was just a bowl of ordinary scallion noodles, which couldn¡¯t taste bad no matter how poorly made they were, especially since Ji Tingyang had been looking forward to them for a long time.


    As if to prove his words, Ji Tingyang finished the noodles in just a few bites, not even sparing the soup.


    ¡°If you like it, I¡¯ll cook it for you again next time!¡± Lin Xu said happily.


    Ji Tingyang was of course willing, ¡°Okay!¡±


    This long-lost warmth seemed to have returned.


    ¡ª¡ª


    It had been over a week since Lin Xu returned and settled down, after which she started thinking about visiting her parents.


    Ji Tingyang hesitated for a moment before telling her that her grandparents had passed away a long time ago.


    Lin Xu was an only child in her family, and not long after she died in the car ident, her parents passed away sessively within the year due to excessive grief.


    As he spoke, Ji Tingyang kept an eye on her expression, worried she would start crying.


    Although Lin Xu was sad, she had already had a vague guess in her heart.


    If her parents had still been alive, how could they have let their child stay at someone else¡¯s home?


    ¡°Your grandparents are buried in South Mountain Cemetery; shall we go together for a visit?¡± Ji Tingyang offered cautiously.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    South Mountain Cemetery was located in the outskirts, upying arge area and was beautifully decorated.


    When they passed the flower shop at the entrance, Lin Xu asked him to stop. She went in and bought two bouquets of white chrysanthemums.


    Then, she and Ji Tingyang walked into the cemetery, one after the other.


    Her parents¡¯ gravestones were next to each other. Gazing at the photographs on the headstones, Lin Xu¡¯s eyes reddened and her repressed emotions finally gave way to mncholy.


    To her, it felt like only a brief week had passed, and in the blink of an eye, they were lying in the cemetery.


    Just half a month ago, she had called her traveling parents and told them she wanted to eat her mother¡¯s pumpkin cakes. The day before her ident, her parents had just returned from their trip and told her they had bought the pumpkin and would make the pumpkin cakes for her once she returned.


    Sheughed, saying she would bring the family of five over the next day, but she never got to taste those pumpkin cakes and was separated from them by life and death.


    Twenty years ago, they came to the cemetery to visit her, and twenty yearster, it was her turn to visit them.


    The breeze brushed across her cheeks, blowing away the tears umting in her eyes and sending them falling to the ground.


    Since Lin Xu wanted to speak to her parents alone, Ji Tingyang stood at the entrance to wait for her.


    He nced worriedly in Lin Xu¡¯s direction and, feeling the emptiness of his pockets, took out his phone, considering whether to ask the driver to bring over a pack of tissues.


    A message suddenly popped up on the screen; it was from Wen Li. Just a few days ago, even though Ji Tingyang had mentioned the matter of being on the cklist, she had already taken him off it.


    ¡°I¡¯m busy today and won¡¯t make the curfew; can Ie backte?¡±


    Ji Tingyang frowned. It just so happened there was an update in her Moments, and he clicked on it.


    There was a photo that captured half the body of a man, and he knew without doubt that it must be Xiao Yu.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s first reaction was to refuse, wanting to keep that bit of warmth to himself. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lin Xu approaching him.


    Somehow, the dark emotions faded away. He casually replied with a ¡°Hmm¡± and then tucked his phone back into his pocket as he walked up to meet Lin Xu.


    ¡°Ready to go back?¡±


    Lin Xu shook her head, ¡°Take me to see mine and your dad¡¯s gravestones.¡±


    She remembered Ji Tingyang saying that she and her husband¡¯s gravestones were also buried here.

 Chapter 15: ’Don’t be afraid, I will protect you.

    Chapter 15: Chapter 15: ¡®Don¡¯t be afraid, I will protect you.


    On the gravestone was affixed a cheek bearing a bright smile, and just below it was engraved the name Lin Xu.


    Visiting one¡¯s own grave¡ªthis experience really was novel.


    Lin Xu noticed a bunch of lilies ced in front of the gravestone, her favorite flowers. A few petals had fallen, but they still looked fresh, as if they had been ced in recent days.


    It wasn¡¯t just her gravestone; her husband¡¯s next to hers also had fresh flowers on it.


    Besides the flowers, the gravestone had been cleaned very thoroughly.


    ¡°Did you buy these flowers?¡± Lin Xu asked Ji Tingyang.


    Ji Tingyang had also noticed the flowers and the offerings in front of the gravestones, seeming like someone had recently paid their respects, which also caused him some confusion.


    He shook his head, ¡°No.¡±


    Lin Xu made an ¡°Oh¡± sound, but didn¡¯t dwell on it.


    She casually nced at her own gravestone, then walked over to the one beside it.


    The man on the gravestone had handsome features with a slight smile at the corner of his lips,posed yet dashing.


    Lin Xu gently stroked the photo with her hand, her eyes filled with sorrowful and nostalgic thoughts. She murmured softly, ¡°So foolish, you clearly wouldn¡¯t have been hit by the truck, yet you insisted oning over to shield me.¡±


    During the ident, the truck hit Lin Xu first, who was in the passenger seat. Though the driver¡¯s seat might not have beenpletely unscathed, it wouldn¡¯t have been life-threatening.


    And yet, he had immediately leaned over, pulling her into his embrace.


    A steel rod pierced both their bodies and imed both their lives.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But now that she was reborn, had he also been reborn?


    Lin Xu couldn¡¯t help but think this.


    But if he had been reborn too, after so long, he should havee to find them by now.


    So had he truly died?


    The emotions she had just managed to calm at her parents¡¯ graves erupted once again, and tears welled up in Lin Xu¡¯s eyes.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s face suddenly stiffened, and he put out his hand, awkwardly patting Lin Xu on the back.


    He had neverforted someone before; his actions and tone were very unnatural: ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, you still have me, I will definitely protect you just like your father did!¡±


    As a boy, Ji Tingyang loved watching TV shows and movies about heroes, and every time a hero appeared, he would mimic them and run to Lin Xu proiming loudly, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, I will definitely protect you!¡±


    The cute, well-behaved child from back then ovepped with the current moment as Lin Xu smilingly said, ¡°Okay, thank you, darling.¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s cheeks turned red, slightly embarrassed as he averted his head.


    It was one thing to be called darling as a child, but now that he was grown up, how could she still call him that, it was so embarrassing.


    Thinking this, the smile that formed on his lips couldn¡¯t be suppressed; apparently, he was very pleased.


    Lin Xu didn¡¯t stay long at South Mountain Cemetery; after speaking a few more words with her husband, she headed back with Ji Tingyang.


    At the entrance to the cemetery, a ck sedan was parked not far away, watching the two of them speak.


    Lin Xu rubbed her reddened eyes, petntly said, ¡°I¡¯m not happy today, I want to go on a big shopping spree!¡±


    Her rule was to shop when happy, and even more so when unhappy.


    Ji Tingyang recalled the dressing room already overflowing with clothes within just a week of her return, paused, then said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Let her buy if she wants to; he could afford it anyway.


    Lin Xu¡¯s mood brightened slightly, humming as she opened the car door, suddenly feeling as if someone was watching her.


    She looked up, and the window of the ck sedan not far away slowly rose, blocking her view of the inside of the car.


    Lin Xu blinked and returned to the car at Ji Tingyang¡¯s urging. By the time she looked back at the sedan, it had already driven away.


    ¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Is something urgent going on?¡± Xiao Yu suddenly asked.


    Since meeting, Wen Li had been intermittently checking her phone, and her furrowed brows never eased.


    Wen Li was stunned for a moment, then snapped back to reality, ¡°No¡­ I¡¯m fine.¡±


    After saying that, she immediately put her phone back in her bag.


    She had just posted on her Moments, including Xiao Yu in the photo, but strangely, Ji Tingyang hadn¡¯t reacted at all.


    Even when she mentioned she would return homete tonight, he had agreed without any hesitation.


    Normally, he would have called to interrogate her, or even driven over to take her back personally.


    These were precisely the aspects of life she had once desperately wanted, so why couldn¡¯t she feel happy about them now?


    ¡°If you are busy, we can meet another time,¡± Xiao Yu offered considerately.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Wen Li hesitated.


    Xiao Yu thought she was reluctant to part with him and smiled, ¡°No worries, we have plenty of time ahead to meet.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The two got up from the bench in the park, and Xiao Yu escorted her to the bus station. Before parting, he pulled a small box out of his pocket and gave it to Wen Li.


    Wen Li was slightly taken aback: ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Take a look.¡±


    Wen Li opened it, and inside the small boxy an exquisite ne with a sapphire embedded in it.


    At first, she was surprised, then upon closer examination, she noticed the sapphire seemed off.


    The gem appeared to be of poor quality, and the whole ne was a high imitation.


    The smile on her lips froze instantly.


    ¡°I saw you liked this ne yesterday, but I can¡¯t afford it right now, so I bought a cheap one to give you,¡± Xiao Yu¡¯s cheeks shed with an awkward tinge, then he spoke with determination, ¡°but I promise you, once I earn enough money, I will buy it and give it to you.¡±


    Wen Li smiled weakly, ¡°Okay.¡±


    She didn¡¯t tell Xiao Yu that Ji Tingyang had already bought the ne.


    After parting with Xiao Yu, Wen Li returned early to the Ji Mansion.


    She had said she would be backte, and now she was returning before it even got dark, which was somewhat embarrassing.


    She nned to tell Ji Tingyang that she had finished her business earlier than expected if he asked.


    As she was thinking this, she entered the mansion.


    Upon opening the door, she saw over a dozen bags ced on the cab in the foyer, all bearing logos of luxury brands, nearly overflowing the space.


    Wen Li almost instinctively thought these were gifts from Ji Tingyang for her. She reached out to check inside the bags, but just as her hand was mid-air, she heard Lin Xu¡¯s voiceing from upstairs.


    ¡°Housekeeper, could you please move everything from the foyer to my room? There¡¯s too much, and I can no longer carry it,¡± Lin Xu said.


    It turned out all these items were for Lin Xu.


    In no time, the housekeeper came from the backyard, first giving Wen Li a friendly and polite smile, then in front of her, he took all those bags away.


    From one of the open bags, Wen Li saw a shimmering, beautiful bracelet with crystal-clear gemstones; just one nce, and she knew it was incredibly expensive.


    Suddenly, Wen Li remembered the imitation poor-quality ne in her bag, and her expression became unsightly.

 Chapter 16: Why the Rich Girl Spends a Fortune

    Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Why the Rich Girl Spends a Fortune


    Since learning about her second son¡¯s activities, Lin Xu had started paying attention to the entertainment industry. However, she was mostly focused on Ji Zeqiu¡¯s updates, even infiltrating Ji Zeqiu¡¯s fan group.


    The fans in the group were very weing to neers. Hearing that Lin Xu was a new fan of Ji Zeqiu and didn¡¯t know much, they took the initiative to educate her.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    From Ji Zeqiu¡¯s height and blood type to every single work he had done after his debut, they told her everything.


    Some fans evenpiled all the variety shows, drama cuts, and interviews in which Ji Zeqiu had appeared and sent Lin Xu a file package totaling more than ten gigabytes for her to dig into.


    Lin Xu felt so grateful that she no longer had to spend countless hours searching for information herself.


    If she had known about this great resource earlier, she would have joined much sooner.


    After receiving the files, to express her gratitude, she immediately sent out a sizable red envelope.


    When the fans opened the red envelope and saw it was 200 yuan each, their fondness for this new fan surged, and they began thanking Lin Xu and became even more eager to share knowledge.


    ¡°@Willow Wadding, tonight at eight o¡¯clock, the TV drama starring Ji Zeqiu is premiering. Remember to watch it on time!¡±


    The fans in the group also liked her as a neer and always took the initiative to remind her of any events.


    Lin Xu: ¡°Got it!¡±


    So, after dinner, Lin Xu forcefully kept Ji Tingyang behind, asking him to put his work aside for a while.


    Ji Tingyang puzzled, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a big deal!¡±


    Lin Xu pushed him onto the couch, tasked the butler with turning on the TV, and switched to the channel she wanted to watch.


    At eight o¡¯clock sharp, the TV drama began airing on time.


    Ji Tingyang chuckled lightly, ¡°You mean the big deal was about watching the TV drama?¡±


    Lin Xu, feigning mystery, ¡°You¡¯ll see soon enough.¡±


    As the TV drama plot deepened, a face so exquisitely handsome suddenly appeared, his narrow eyes possessing a blend of fierceness and gentleness, utterly captivating.


    Seeing that familiar face, Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression froze.


    She had hime over to watch Ji Zeqiu¡¯s TV drama together?


    As if to answer his question, Lin Xu said, ¡°Zeqiu has been working on this TV drama for a long time. We need to contribute more to the viewership ratings.¡±


    ¡°You can watch it by yourself; I¡¯m heading back to my room.¡± After watching for a while, Ji Tingyang went upstairs with aplex expression.


    Watching his retreating figure, Lin Xu sighed while popping grapes into her mouth.


    She wondered what kind of disagreement had urred between the two brothers.


    Two hourster, after the drama ended, the once silent fan group erupted again.


    ¡°Ahhhh! Ji Zeqiu was so handsome tonight, and his acting was great too!¡±


    Seeing someone praise her son, Lin Xu felt a surge of pride swell inside her, smug with delight.


    ¡°Did you guys notice Ji Zeqiu wearing sses? It somehow gave off a sense of a schrly bad boy!¡±


    ¡°I saw it too; I really want to strip him down and pin him to the bed, hehehe¡­¡±


    Lin Xu: ¡°¡­¡±


    It wasn¡¯t as if she had never been a fan before; the things she said privately to her friends were wilder than this.


    But now, seeing others go wild about her own son was all kinds of awkward.


    She gave a resigned smile, closed the chat page, and did not join in their conversation.


    After joining the fan group, apart from asionally asking if there were any more activities involving Ji Zeqiu, Lin Xu spent most of her time lurking.


    That day, she had nothing to do, so she opened her fan group chat and saw everyone was particrly indignant.


    ¡°The brands endorsed by our Baby Ji are way more high-end than theirs, and they still have the nerve to copy Baby Ji? Shameless!¡±


    ¡°Exactly! The perfume that Baby Ji endorses costs more than ten times theirs per bottle. Their brand is inferior, so they boast about their sales volume. Disgusting.¡±


    Lin Xu was confused and asked what had happened?


    Fans immediately exined to her.


    A couple of months ago, Ji Zeqiu endorsed a luxury brand perfume, and justst month, apetitor endorsed a budget domestic brand perfume. It wasn¡¯t a big deal, but suddenly fans of thepetitor started causing trouble. They made aparison chart of the sales volumes of the two perfumes and unted that their idol was much stronger than Ji Zeqiu.


    The prices of the two perfumes were different; the budget perfume was affordable for fans, who would buy one or two bottles to support their idol, naturally driving up its sales.


    However, the luxury brand perfume wasn¡¯t something every fan could afford, so it was understandable if its sales were somewhat lower.


    But someone from thepetitor¡¯s side had to make a fuss, using such a petty issue to disparage Ji Zeqiu both openly and covertly.


    So, everyone discussed buying a few bottles of the perfume to boost Ji Zeqiu¡¯s sales, and some fans even went to Weibo to passionately argue about it.


    Lin Xu raised her eyebrows, now understanding the whole story.


    If her son needed defending, she would do it herself!


    Lin Xu opened the website and, with a generous gesture, crisply ordered a thousand bottles of the perfume.


    The next day, Ji Tingyang found the living room filled with perfume bottles and nowhere to step, and he fell silent.


    ¡°What are you doing with so many bottles of perfume?¡±


    Lin Xu, busy chatting with fans in the group, replied without looking up, ¡°These are the perfumes endorsed by Ji Zeqiu. I bought them to boost his sales.¡±


    Ji Tingyang: ¡°¡­You might as well have just given him the money.¡±


    ¡°The change must be there, and so must the sales!¡±


    Ji Tingyang didn¡¯t exactly try to argue the point, but ncing at the perfumes on the floor, he asked if the sales had been boosted enough or if they should boost them some more.


    Lin Xu suddenly stopped typing, looked at Ji Tingyang with a meaningful smile.


    She knew there were no overnight grudges between brothers.


    Ji Tingyang really did care about his brother!


    A trace of embarrassment crossed Ji Tingyang¡¯s face, and he turned to leave, ¡°Forget it, do what you want.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t use all this perfume. Take some to yourpany, give them as benefits to the staff!¡±


    Lin Xu called out to him from behind.


    She didn¡¯t bother to see if he heard her and began setting up a giveaway in the fan group.


    ¡°Bought a lot of perfumes, can¡¯t use them all at home. If any friends want some, DM me your address, and I will send it to you, as a thank you for all the years of support and love for Ji Zeqiu.¡±


    She then posted a photo of the mountain of perfumes.


    The fan group instantly went wild.


    ¡°Is the neer Rich Sister? So powerful!¡±


    ¡°I can only afford one bottle when boosting sales; the difference between people is so huge.¡±


    ¡°With Sister Xu¡¯s help, our Baby Ji¡¯s sales will definitely surpass thepetitors. Let¡¯s see if they have the face to jump around then!¡±


    Lin Xu smiled, stopped participating in their chat,id her phone aside, and went off to tend the garden with the butler.


    Unbeknownst to anyone, a hot search quietly appeared.


    #WhyDidTheWealthyGirlSpendA FortuneOnJiZeqiu#

 Chapter 17 - 17 "She never wears this kind of thing.

    Chapter 17: Chapter 17 ¡°She never wears this kind of thing.


    The mountainous pile of perfume photos belonging to Sister Xu, somehow found its way to Weibo, turning the act of fangirl splurging millions into an instant hot topic of discussion.


    Some condemned it as meaninglesspetition¡ªwondering why keeping the money for personal use wasn¡¯t better than spending it on someone else with no rewards in return.


    Others retorted, urging people not to be overly controlling over others¡¯ finances¡ªlet them spend their money however they wish.


    The two sides quarreled on Weibo, and quickly made it to the trending searches, sparking even more debates.


    However, Lin Xu wasn¡¯t aware, she knew nothing about it.


    But even if she had known, she would have dismissively said, it¡¯s her own son she¡¯s spending on.


    ¡°Hey, Zeqiu, have you seen the trending searches? A fan apparently made a few tens of millions in sales for you,¡±


    the agent remarked while shaking his head as he looked at the trending search.


    Another rich fanatic.


    He remembered another obsessed fan from before, smashing sales on endorsements for Ji Zeqiu and buying lots of things on Ji Zeqiu¡¯s behalf to bring to the crew, making sure to attend nearly every event.


    Eventually, it even escted to the point of being a sasaeng fan, cornering Ji Zeqiu in the hallway to confess to him.


    Of course, the oue was a merciless rejection, along with calling the police to arrest the sasaeng fan.


    After that, the obsessed fan disappeared, perhaps having moved on to another star.


    Has it not been long enough that another fanatic is emerging?


    Hopefully, there won¡¯t be any more incidents with sasaeng fans.


    ¡°You handle this; I have other things,¡± Ji Zeqiu said, not looking up from his rapid typing on his cellphone, not knowing who he was chatting with.


    Handling this kind of public rtions was nothing more than issuing a statement, calling for everyone to chase stars sensibly.


    But whether it was sincere or not, who could tell?


    Ji Zeqiu then opened someone¡¯s WeChat Moments and zoomed in on a photo, carefully observing the visible half of a man in it.


    Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.


    The agent answered it to find a woman with picturesque eyebrows and a light makeup standing there, momentarily stunned.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Upon closer inspection, this woman¡¯s features were somewhat simr to those of Wen Li.


    Seeing the door open, she came to her senses and nodded at the agent, ¡°Brother Zhao.¡±


    The agent looked back at Ji Zeqiu, but the man was sitting on the couch with no reaction whatsoever.


    He stepped aside, making way through a spacious passage, ¡°Come in.¡±


    The woman walked towards Ji Zeqiu with a worried expression and a sh of pain in her eyes, conflicted but eventually moving forward.


    The agent took the initiative to exit the room, carefully closing the door to seal off any sound from inside.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Because of the perfume incident, Sister Xu became quite popr in the fan group, and was often called upon for various activities.


    That day, someone in the group called her,


    ¡°Sister Xu, tomorrow morning Ji Zeqiu has a ribbon-cutting at the jewelry store downtown. If we go early to get a spot in the front row, there¡¯s a chance to meet him. Are youing?¡±


    Being able to see Ji Zeqiu?


    Lin Xu quickly became excited, ¡°Let¡¯s go! Send me the address!¡±


    The next morning, Lin Xu did her makeup meticulously, ready to make a beautiful outing.


    After twenty years, she nned to make a good impression on her son.


    Ting Yang saw her and was momentarily stunned, ¡°Where are you off to?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ just, something came up, going out for a bit,¡± Lin Xu equivocated.


    She had mentioned wanting to see Ji Zeqiu a few times before, but it was either vaguely ignored or outright rejected by him.


    Thus, she did not want to tell Ting Yang the purpose of her outing this time.


    Watching Lin Xu hastily leaving the house, Ji Tingyang sank into deep thought. Recently, because she didn¡¯t want him to worry, Lin Xu would always tell him where she was going whenever she went out alone, but today she was hesitant and refused to say.


    Could it be shopping?


    She had already bought thetest clothes and bags, what else was there to buy?


    The more he thought about it, the more he felt something was off.


    Wen Li, sitting across from him, looked up at Ji Tingyang and noticed he was distracted, still thinking about Lin Xu.


    Her expression turned somewhat ugly, as in the past his attention had been solely on her. Yet now, even though she was right in front of him, his mind was on another woman.


    Wen Li bit her red lip lightly, seemingly casually mentioning, ¡°Dressed so beautifully, she might be going on a date.¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    Could it be that some bastard had taken advantage of his inattention to woo his mother?!


    His expression grew even grimmer, and he didn¡¯t even touch his breakfast. Putting down his chopsticks, he also decided to follow her out.


    Wen Li realized he was going to look for Lin Xu, and in a rush of anxiety, she blurted out his name.


    Ji Tingyang turned back, looking at her puzzled.


    ¡°I, I¡­¡± Wen Li, in her haste, made up a lie, ¡°I¡¯m feeling a bit unwell, can you apany me to the hospital?¡±


    ¡°Let the butler apany you, I have other matters.¡±


    ¡°Ji¡­¡±


    Before Wen Li could finish speaking, Ji Tingyang hurriedly left, not even looking back as he drove away.


    Wen Li tightly gripped her chopsticks, her fingertips turning white.


    She consoled herself, thinking that it was great Ji Tingyang didn¡¯t bother with her anymore, as now no one could stop her from meeting Xiao Yu.


    However, her face inevitably looked somewhat displeasing.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s fame was really too big, fans knowing he was having a ribbon-cutting event in the city center came out in droves, actually clogging up the roads for several kilometers outside the mall.


    Fans in the group wereining about the severe traffic, worried they wouldn¡¯t make it to the ribbon-cutting on time.


    ¡°Miss, this might take two or three hours. We are not far from the mall, how about you walk over?¡±


    The driver, seeing Lin Xu¡¯s anxious expression, suggested.


    Lin Xu thought about it and agreed that it made sense, paid the fare, and then got out of the car to walk to the mall.


    After not recognizing the surroundings due to significant changes in the buildings over twenty years, Lin Xu lost her way after just a few hundred meters.


    Moreover, as the phone navigation made numerous twists and turns, she was already dizzy.


    At the ribbon-cutting event.


    Ji Zeqiu arrived on time, and the moment he appeared, shes and the sound of shutters erupted intermittently while the fans around him screamed out loud.


    ¡°Ahhh! Ji Zeqiu, look at me!¡±


    ¡°Husband! I love you!¡±


    Ji Zeqiu seemed shy being called ¡®husband,¡¯ his ears turning red as he coyly waved to everyone.


    Such an innocently shy handsome guy made the screaming even louder.


    A few minutes¡¯ event blocked the mallpletely, and even after it ended, with Ji Zeqiu disappearing into the crowd, the fans were still reluctant to leave.


    ¡°There are still many people outside, let¡¯s wait a bit longer before going out,¡± his agent said to Ji Zeqiu upon returning from outside.


    Ji Zeqiu responded vaguely, his gaze falling on the woman in the room, particrly on her fair vicle, his eyebrows furrowing deeply.


    His fury uncontainable, he detested and hated, ¡°Who allowed you to wear a ne, she never wore this kind of thing, throw it away!¡±


    His rude and overbearing demeanor at this moment was worlds apart from his gentle and innocent public persona.

 Chapter 18: Is She a Mom Fan?

    Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Is She a Mom Fan?


    Shen Qingtang¡¯s face was pale as he took off the ne and exined, ¡°I just finished a photoshoot and forgot to take it off.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you do outside, but in front of me, you have to follow my rules. Shen Qingtang, don¡¯t forget you are her substitute, you should properly y her role!¡±


    Ji Zeqiu gripped her chin viciously, the strength of his fingertips increasing, causing her eyes to turn red with pain, yet she dared not make a sound.


    The agent seemed to have grown ustomed to this kind of situation, sighed inwardly, turned around intending to leave, and left the space for the two of them.


    However, no sooner had he opened the door than a figure burst into the VIP room with the swiftness of a surprise attack.


    The agent was startled.


    His first reaction was that some obsessive fan had broken in again, and his second thought was that Ji Zeqiu¡¯s bad offstage image was about to be exposed.


    ¡°You have deviated from the destination, the route is now being recalcted, please go back 10 meters, then turn left.¡±


    An AI navigation voice awkwardly came out of someone¡¯s phone.


    ¡°Ah, wrong again, what a lousy navigation.¡± Lin Xu was very annoyed, almost wishing she couldin about the navigation software.


    Wrong again?


    The agent was stunned, wondering if it wasn¡¯t an obsessive fan after all?


    But who would walk the wrong way and end up in someone else¡¯s VIP room? That must surely be a trick!


    Thinking thus, the agent¡¯s gaze sharpened instantly as he approached Lin Xu, ¡°Miss, this is our private space, please leave!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, so sorry!¡± Lin Xu, wearing an apologetic face, made to leave.


    From the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure.


    Upon closer inspection, she froze, ¡°Ji Zeqiu?¡±


    The agent cursed inwardly, upset that she had recognized him.


    If it had been just Ji Zeqiu, it might have been fine, but there was also Shen Qingtang in the room!


    If anyone found out the rtionship between Ji Zeqiu and the eighteenth-tier actor Shen Qingtang, it could cause an uproar among fans, and in the worst case, it could even lead to aplete copse of his image.


    The agent¡¯s thoughts raced like lightning, and he immediately thought of bribing her with money.


    However, before he could speak, he heard Ji Zeqiu¡¯s voice, slightly surprised, ¡°Is that you?¡±


    The agent was dumbfounded, ¡°You know her?¡±


    If they knew each other, that would be great. They could use their rtionship to have her keep quiet and not spread rumors.


    Lin Xu¡¯s face lit up with surprise, ¡°You still remember me?!¡±


    She had been struggling with how to approach Ji Zeqiu to exin their rtionship and that unbelievable resurrection.


    But she never expected that he actually remembered her mother.


    However, what Ji Zeqiu meant by ¡®remembering¡¯ was entirely different from what she had thought, he sneered, ¡°Aren¡¯t you the woman by Ji Tingyang¡¯s side.¡±


    Last time, feeling irritable, he had driven around aimlessly and had ended up at South Mountain Cemetery without realizing it.


    Although he had visited just a few days before, he thought it wouldn¡¯t hurt to pay his respects again since he was there.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    However, before he could get out of the car, he saw Ji Tingyang and this woman walking hand in hand out of the cemetery.


    Ji Zeqiu scrutinized Lin Xu closely; aside from her face being decent, he really didn¡¯t know what Ji Tingyang liked about her.


    Wen Li was simply much better than her.


    Lin Xu was taken aback, not expecting Ji Zeqiu to have misunderstood.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that, actually I am¡­¡±


    ¡°Whatever you are, it¡¯s none of my business.¡± Ji Zeqiu interrupted her, with no qualms about speaking in front of Lin Xu, and reached into his pocket to pull out a pack of cigarettes to light.


    Lin Xu¡¯s eyes widened, she strode over swiftly, and without a word, pinched out the cigarette in his hand.


    ¡°When did you learn to smoke, don¡¯t you know that smoking is harmful to your health!¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Ji Zeqiu was bbergasted; he had not expected this woman to be so audacious as to dare snuff out his cigarette.


    ¡°Moreover, I detest the smell of smoke the most. In the past, when your father came home smelling of smoke from socializing, I was so angry that I sent him to sleep in the guest room. I also told you and your brother that you were absolutely forbidden from smoking when you grew up, yet it¡¯s only been twenty years, and you¡¯ve already forgotten.¡±


    ¡°But then again, you were only five years old at that time, so it¡¯s normal that you don¡¯t remember.¡±


    Lin Xu grumbled angrily to herself.


    Ji Zeqiu was still fuming, but when he heard her murmuring, it ovepped with a distant memory deep in his mind, and his expression became distant.


    He felt somewhat guilty for a moment, and his anger dissipated significantly. But then he thought differently, no, wait a minute, who is she to lecture him!


    ¡°Mind your own business!¡±


    Ji Zeqiu, ashamed and enraged, didn¡¯t relight the pack of cigarettes in his hand after all, and shoved it back into his pocket, flustered and annoyed.


    This move surprised both the agent and Shen Qingtang; they had seen Ji Zeqiu¡¯s stubborn temperament. He did what he wanted regardless of what anyone else said, and the agent had more than once tried to persuade him to quit smoking, but had never seeded.


    They had not expected this woman to be so bold as to not only emerge unscathed after extinguishing his cigarette but also to make him give up smoking.


    The agent wanted to observe more, but ncing at his watch, it was a pity; the time was almost up.


    ¡°Zeqiu, your next appointment ising up; we need to go,¡± the agent reminded him.


    Ji Zeqiu gave Lin Xu a cold stare before turning to leave.


    ¡°Zeqiu, remember to visit home when you have time, I¡­no, wait¡­¡± Lin Xu paused, hastily corrected herself, ¡°Your brother misses you a lot!¡±


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s expression soured, and he quickened his pace to leave.


    Would Ji Tingyang miss him?


    What a joke!


    Clearly, Ji Tingyang would rather he never returned home to avoid getting in his way with Wen Li.


    Ji Zeqiu quickly disappeared into the mall. Lin Xu felt a bit regretful; she had only seen her son for a moment before they were parted again.


    She sighed and walked out, considering when to arrange the next meeting.


    ¡°Miss, please wait a moment!¡±


    The agent was still there and, seeing Lin Xu leave, quickly called out to her.


    Lin Xu asked, puzzled, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°May I ask your surname, Miss?¡±


    ¡°Lin, my name is Lin Xu.¡±


    ¡°Miss Lin, the thing is, could you keep everything you saw in the VIP room confidential?¡± the agent asked with a serious expression as he dealt with the aftermath of the incident at work.


    He even took out a check.


    ¡°Of course, I won¡¯t tell a soul.¡±


    ¡°I can offer you a sum of¡­ Eh? What?¡±


    Lin Xu¡¯s eager agreement caught him off guard.


    ¡°You want to give me money?¡± Lin Xu looked at the check in his hand, repeatedly refusing, ¡°I have money, you should keep your money and buy more food for Ji Zeqiu. He loves cherries, buy a lot of those, and he doesn¡¯t like vegetables, but not eating them isn¡¯t good, so make sure he eats some too.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and remember not to schedule too many appointments; you can see that he has gotten much thinner recently¡­¡±


    Listening to Lin Xu¡¯s nagging made the agent momentarily envision his own mother.


    Could this woman actually be Ji Zeqiu¡¯s fan mother?

 Chapter 19 - 19 Obviously Not a Good Person

    Chapter 19: Chapter 19 Obviously Not a Good Person


    The agent escorted Lin Xu out of the mall and, after saying goodbye to her, turned and got into the small car parked by the roadside.


    Lin Xu craned her neck to look in that direction, trying to spot Ji Zeqiu¡¯s figure; however, the car windows were tinted with privacy film, and she couldn¡¯t see anything.


    ¡°Who was that man?¡±


    A voice suddenly rang out, startling her.


    Lin Xu turned her head and saw Ji Tingyang standing next to her, his face as cold as ice as he watched the departing car.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± she asked, puzzled and feeling somewhat guilty.


    Could he have seen her with Zeqiu?


    But that didn¡¯t make sense, if he had seen them, why wouldn¡¯t he recognize the man and still ask her who that man was.


    Ji Tingyang didn¡¯t answer her question but continued, ¡°Wearing sses and looking sneaky, he doesn¡¯t look like good news, don¡¯t get fooled by people.¡±


    Today¡¯s environment was far moreplex than it was twenty years ago, with countless deceptive tricks at y.


    Some men just loved to deceive young girls, scamming both money and emotions.


    A certain face came to mind, and Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression grew even uglier.


    Wearing sses?


    Lin Xu remembered and realized he was talking about the agent, feeling somewhat embarrassed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense, that person is actually quite nice.¡±


    He had been running around for Ji Zeqiu¡¯s affairs and even took notes on everything she said.


    Ji Tingyang was shocked.


    They had only been together a short while, and his mother was already speaking up for that man?!


    A sense of crisis immediately surged in his heart.


    He had to be more vignt and couldn¡¯t let her get deceived by that man again.


    So, for the next few days, no matter where Lin Xu went, Ji Tingyang would follow, volunteering to be her driver.


    ¡°You¡¯re always following me, don¡¯t you have to work?¡± Lin Xu asked him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go back to workter,¡± Ji Tingyang insisted on following her.


    ¡°In the past, when I went out, you didn¡¯t react at all, and you didn¡¯t like to stick around me; I even felt depressed for a while,¡± Lin Xu said.


    Other people¡¯s children would cry incessantly just seconds after being separated from their mothers; but little Ji Tingyang was especially cold, whereas it was Ji Zeqiu who was more clingy.


    ¡°So it¡¯s not that you were not clingy, but that you started to be clingy after you grew up,¡± Lin Xu teased.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s ears turned bright red from the teasing. He wanted to retort, but after a retort, he couldn¡¯t find a good reason to follow her anymore and had to tacitly agree.


    During these days out with Lin Xu, he found that besides shopping, she would just go to the beauty salon for skincare and never saw her on a date with that sneaky-looking man.


    Ji Tingyang even thought perhaps it was because he was following her, that¡¯s why Lin Xu couldn¡¯t conveniently go on dates.


    But regardless, after being Lin Xu¡¯s driver for a week, Ji Tingyang didn¡¯t want to follow her out anymore, no matter what.


    Lin Xu had a boundless energy for shopping, able to walk tens of thousands of steps without a break. Ji Tingyang suddenly felt that his choice not to stick with Lin Xu when he was younger was absolutely right.


    After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Ji Zeqiu had a few more events.


    The fans in the group knew Lin Xu got lostst time and missed the event on-site, and they all regretted it on her behalf.


    So when there was a new event, they would urge Lin Xu to join first thing. Unfortunately, Ji Tingyang was following her those days, and she couldn¡¯t go, so she had to painfully decline.


    Until today, she received a private message from a fan.


    ¡°Ji Zeqiu is going to make a cameo on set this afternoon; we¡¯re nning to visit the set. Sister Xu, do you want toe with us?¡±


    Lin Xu, of course, agreed without a second thought and went to her room to put on beautiful makeup.


    Little did she know, as soon as she went downstairs, she ran into Ji Tingyang sitting on the sofa.


    Ji Tingyang held a tablet in one hand and a coffee in the other, taking a light sip from his lips. His gaze was fixed on the news on the tablet, and the blue-white light asionally shed over his gold-rimmed sses, adding a sense of mature steadiness.


    Wen Li wasn¡¯t going out today, which was rare. She sat on the sofa nearby, absentmindedly slicing an apple, and asionally stealing a nce at Ji Tingyang.


    At the sound, both of them lifted their heads to look at Lin Xu.


    ¡°Are you going out?¡± Ji Tingyang asked.


    ¡°Yeah, do you want toe with me?¡± Lin Xu asked casually.


    She obviously thought about how he had been following her aroundtely.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s first instinct was to refuse, but seeing her makeup, which she had obviously taken time to apply, his brows furrowed slightly.


    Was she going on a date?


    His guard went up, and just as he was about to agree, he heard a hiss from the person next to him, drawing a sharp breath.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Wen Li had been too careless while cutting fruit and had identally cut her finger, which was now bleeding profusely.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s face changed, and he immediately snatched the fruit knife out of her hand and shouted, ¡°Butler! Bring the medical kit over here!¡±


    ¡°Are you stupid, cutting yourself while slicing fruit! With so many servants in the house, just call them to slice fruit in the future, don¡¯t do it yourself.¡±


    Hearing his concern, Wen Li¡¯s recent unease gradually dissipated.


    Ji Tingyang still liked her.


    With tears welling up in her eyes from the pain, Wen Li said with a soft voice, ¡°Sorry, I just wanted to slice an apple for you.¡±


    If it had been before, Ji Tingyang would have been moved, and without a word, he would have eaten all those apples.


    He often saw his aunt cut up pieces of fruit and take them to his cousin¡¯s room, and he could hear his ssmatesin about their mothers, who, despite being told they did not eat fruit, seemed not to understand and insisted on stuffing it into their mouths¡­


    Ji Tingyang had never experienced this himself but always had some longing for it.


    However,tely, all the fruit at home had been eaten by Lin Xu. It was one thing for her to eat it herself, but she also liked to stuff it into his mouth.


    At first, he was very happy to eat it, but as time went by and the number of times increased, he now felt so fed up that he didn¡¯t even want to see fruit anymore.


    When Ji Tingyang heard that the apple was cut for him, his brow immediately furrowed, ¡°No need, I don¡¯t like fruit.¡±


    Wen Li, however, misunderstood.


    Lin Xu gave him fruit, and he ate it.


    She sliced an apple for him, and he said he didn¡¯t like it.


    Wen Li bit her lip, her face that had just calmed down suddenly turning a few shades paler.


    Ji Tingyang wanted Lin Xu to wait a moment so he could tend to Wen Li¡¯s wound before seeing her out.


    However, when he turned around, there was no one there. Lin Xu had already sneaked away.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Ji Tingyang opened the medical kit and disinfected Wen Li¡¯s wound absentmindedly.


    Elsewhere.


    As soon as Lin Xu arrived at the filming location, there were already a few fans waiting for her at the door.


    If she thought about it, this was Lin Xu¡¯s first time meeting with the fans from the online group.


    Seeing a beautiful woman with pink cherry lips walking towards them, everyone¡¯s eyes shed with admiration. Then they remembered this was a filming base, and it was normal to encounter beautiful women. The only question was which celebrity she might be.


    While everyone was wondering, they saw the woman who seemed to be a celebrity walk up to them, her tone apologetic: ¡°I¡¯m sorry for beingte; there were a lot of cars at the intersection.¡±


    ¡°You are?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Willow Wadding,¡± Lin Xu gave her online nickname from the group.


    The crowd gasped, ¡°Sister Xu?!¡±


    Lin Xu had made such a generous contribution to Ji Zeqiu¡¯s sales, and they had thought she might be a wealthy woman in her thirties or forties. They never imagined she would look so young, only in her early twenties.

 Chapter 20 - 20 "What about leaving Ji Tingyang and following me?

    Chapter 20: Chapter 20 ¡°What about leaving Ji Tingyang and following me?


    Inside the film and television city, the crew Ji Zeqiu cameoed in was filming in an ancient-style courtyard. The staff had set up istion lines outside, so fans could only wait at the entrance and were not allowed inside.


    A few girls arrived at the entrance and deftly took out their support fans from their bags, excitedly waiting for Ji Zeqiu toe out and meet them.


    Lin Xu had prepared nothing and stood in ce empty-handed, feeling a bit awkward for a moment.


    She had not heard that she needed to prepare these things.


    Fortunately, one of the girls had a spare one and lent Lin Xu a fan inscribed with ¡°I love Ji Zeqiu.¡±


    Lin Xu thanked her and also started waiting with the fan in hand.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    At the filming base, in a deserted alley somewhere.


    Ji Zeqiu was pressing Shen Qingtang against the wall, one hand gripping her chin, forcing her to look at him.


    His expression was exceptionally ugly, ¡°Just now, where did he touch you?¡±


    Shen Qingtang¡¯s face was pale as she exined, ¡°Calm down, that was just a scene for the film!¡±


    In the scene, she had to tangle with the male lead, and the kiss was just for positioning.


    Knowing well Ji Zeqiu¡¯s possessiveness, she had hoped to finish this take quickly while he was not on set.


    Yet when she finished, she discovered that Ji Zeqiu had already arrived at the set, watching her with a dark countenance, and she didn¡¯t know how much he had seen.


    She had just finished her scene when he furiously dragged her here.


    ¡°Filming?¡± Ji Zeqiu said icily, ¡°Who allowed you to film such scenes?!¡±


    The grip on Shen Qingtang¡¯s chin tightened.


    Shen Qingtang whimpered in pain, her clear, sparkling eyes showing a hint of mockery, ¡°Not allowing me to film intimate scenes¡­ Ji Zeqiu, could it be that you¡¯ve fallen for me?¡±


    ¡°Fallen for you?¡± Ji Zeqiuughed as if hearing a joke, ¡°Shen Qingtang, don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re just a substitute. I could never like you!¡±


    From the day she epted Ji Zeqiu¡¯s money, she was clear that she was nothing more than a substitute.


    A flicker of pain crossed Shen Qingtang¡¯s face, but she quickly said seriously, ¡°If I am just a substitute, what does it matter to you whom I kiss?¡±


    Ji Zeqiu sneered venomously, ¡°You like kissing others that much? Then I¡¯ll grant your wish.¡±


    With that, he bent down to kiss her red lips.


    Shen Qingtang struggled ceaselessly, trying to break free, ¡°Let me go! Let go!¡±


    She raised her hand, intending to p him, but before she could, a bag beat her to it, smacking Ji Zeqiu on the head.


    For a moment, both of them were stunned.


    The person pulled Shen Qingtang out and kept swinging the bag in hand, mercilessly hitting Ji Zeqiu.


    While hitting, she cursed, ¡°You damn hooligan, disgusting pervert! I¡¯ll beat you to death!¡±


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s face turned ashen, his eyes wide with rage as he grabbed the bag, ¡°Enough!¡±


    ¡°You?¡± He saw the person clearly and immediately gritted his teeth.


    Lin Xu: ¡°¡­¡±


    So the hooligan was her own son.


    Lin Xu¡¯s guilt was fleeting, and she quickly stepped forward righteously and twisted Ji Zeqiu¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Who taught you to bully girls? Haven¡¯t I told you before not to bully others, and to be a kind and good child?¡±


    Even if he was her son, when it was time to discipline, she wouldn¡¯t hesitate. She absolutely couldn¡¯t let him grow up crooked and be a viin.


    Despite being 182 cm tall, Ji Zeqiu was made to bend down by Lin Xu grabbing his ear, his presence noticeably diminished.


    He held Lin Xu¡¯s wrist, protecting his ear, his cheeks flushed red, and it was unclear if he was flushed with anger as he loudly mored for her to let go.


    Shen Qingtang watched this scene, her mouth agape in shock.


    Ji Zeqiu, a strong and healthy man, actually couldn¡¯t withstand a woman.


    What she didn¡¯t know was that Ji Zeqiu¡¯s ear was a sensitive spot.


    Whenever Xiao Zeqiu misbehaved in the past, Lin Xu would grab his ear and make him apologize.


    Xiao Zeqiu could never resist and could only obediently ept Lin Xu¡¯s punishment.


    Twenty years had passed, and many things had be blurred.


    Ji Zeqiu didn¡¯t have a strong memory of it, but Lin Xu still remembered.


    After all, for her, it was only about a month ago. Although her son had grown up, he was always her son, and it was easy for her to handle him.


    Themotion here was getting louder, and the agent who hadn¡¯t gone far hurriedly came back, only to go dark upon seeing the scene of Ji Zeqiu¡¯s ear being pulled.


    He quickly stepped forward to separate the two, recognizing the woman after recalling for a moment.


    Isn¡¯t this Ji Zeqiu¡¯s mom fan?!


    ¡°Howe you are here?¡± the agent eximed in shock.


    Lin Xu: ¡°Uh¡­ just passing by.¡±


    She had just gone to use the restroom, not expecting the film studio to be sorge, and then she got lost on the way back.


    While randomly running around looking for the way back, she heard someone yelling for help, so she immediately ran over to y the part of the hero.


    The agent, hearing her response, was skeptical.


    Last time it was a coincidence she barged into their VIP room, and now she coincidentally showed up here again.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t a sasaeng fan, are you?¡± the agent asked suspiciously.


    Lin Xu immediately shook her head: ¡°No, no, no! Absolutely not!¡±


    Although she had only recently started following the entertainment industry, she knew all too well that both artists and fans despised sasaeng fans.


    Ji Zeqiu finally caught his breath, covering his ear, furious: ¡°I¡¯ve only had my ear pulled by my mom in all my life! How dare you pull my ear!¡±


    ¡°That proves it, I am your mom,¡± Lin Xu said seriously.


    ¡°You dare to take advantage of me?!¡± Ji Zeqiu waspletely enraged, ¡°I¡¯m going to sue her, sue her for intentional injury!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, we¡¯re family. How about I let your brother exin to you?¡± Lin Xu actually meant for Ji Tingyang to tell him that she was indeed his mother.


    But Ji Zeqiu misunderstood, thinking Lin Xu was deliberately bringing up Ji Tingyang to press him down.


    He knew Lin Xu was Ji Tingyang¡¯s person, and if he sued her, who knew what means Ji Tingyang would use against him.


    ¡°You¡¯re ruthless,¡± he gritted his teeth.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so hot-tempered, it¡¯s bad for your health, cool down a bit,¡± Lin Xu said, pulling out a fan from her bag and considerately fanning him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your fake kindness.¡± Ji Zeqiu pushed away the fan, but then paused when he saw the words on it.


    After sizing up Lin Xu, his expression was one of disdain: ¡°Are you still my fan?¡±


    Lin Xu nodded repeatedly: ¡°Yes, yes! The number-one kind!¡±


    Ji Zeqiu suddenly thought of something, the corners of his mouth lifting into his professional sweet smile. It had to be said, that face really was handsome and charming; it was no wonder so many female fans were crazy about him.


    He leaned close to Lin Xu, his hand resting on her slender waist, his husky voice enchanting in her ear: ¡°How about you leave Ji Tingyang and be with me?¡±


    If Ji Tingyang took Wen Li from him, then as retribution, why couldn¡¯t he take Lin Xu?


    Thinking this, a hint of malice also spread across Ji Zeqiu¡¯s smile.


    Lin Xu¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and sweat poured down her back.


    Is this heading towards an incestuous affair?!

 Chapter 21 - 21 "Zeqiu, will you take me away with you?

    Chapter 21: Chapter 21 ¡°Zeqiu, will you take me away with you?


    ¡°`


    Ji Zeqiu had been swamped with engagements these past few days, and the fans in the group were discussing which event to attend to see him. They even specifically mentioned Lin Xu.


    If it were a few days ago, Lin Xu would probably have been very eager to go with them, but today she rejected the idea.


    Such abnormal behavior led everyone to think she was going to stop being a fan.


    After all, in the entertainment industry, the speed of ¡°wall climbing¡± could be very fast, loving one artist one day and another the next.


    Lin Xu could onlye out and exin that she was just busy with something these few days, and then everyone was relieved.


    Actually, after returning from the film cityst time, Ji Zeqiu had given her a business card with his agent¡¯s contact information.


    ¡°After you think it through, call this number,¡± he¡¯d said.


    Then he left.


    Although it wasn¡¯t Ji Zeqiu¡¯s cell phone number, Lin Xu felt somewhat reassured having a way to contact him, and she no longer needed to go to great lengths to see him.


    After exining everything to the group, Lin Xu opened the agent¡¯s WeChat.


    ¡°Brother Zhao, it¡¯s really hot outside today, remember to ensure Zeqiu has sun protection,¡± she messaged.


    ¡°When filming, make sure Zeqiu stays hydrated. He¡¯s always preferred drinks over water since he was young, not sure if he still does it now, but you should pay extra attention,¡± she continued.


    ¡°Also, he¡­¡±


    The agent¡¯s WeChat notification sound ¡°ding-dong¡± kept ringing, he checked his phone and his eyes went ck.


    More than a dozen messages came through, all of them detailing various things about Ji Zeqiu.


    True to the form of Ji Zeqiu¡¯s ¡°mom fan.¡±


    Knowing that celebrities are very busy, Lin Xu was not in a rush for a reply. After sending the messages, she put her phone in her pocket, humming a tune as she went downstairs.


    Downstairs, Lin Xu ran into Wen Li and even nodded her head cheerfully before entering the kitchen and asking Aunt Zhang for sour cabbage fish for lunch.


    After getting a positive response from Aunt Zhang, she turned to leave, but she did not expect to bump into someone at the corner.


    Wen Li fell to the ground, her cup slipping from her hand. With a ¡°bang,¡± the cup shattered into pieces, scattering all over the floor.


    Lin Xu paused for a moment before her first reaction was to reach out to help her up.


    But Wen Li didn¡¯t move.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    At first nce, one might think Lin Xu had bullied her.


    Hearing themotion, the housemaids all came to rubberneck, seeing it was Lin Xu and another, their expressions changed slightly.


    Ji Tingyang liked Wen Li, and this wasmon knowledge among the Ji Family¡¯s servants. Then suddenly Lin Xu appeared, and she had been spending a lot of time with Ji Tingyang recently.


    Two women and one man, was a dispute finally going to break out?


    Their faces were full of gossip.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Ji Tingyang strode in, quickly helping Wen Li to her feet.


    Wen Li was pale, shaking her head, ¡°It has nothing to do with Miss Lin, I wasn¡¯t paying attention and identally bumped into her.¡±


    Lin Xu raised an eyebrow.


    Didn¡¯t that sound a bit like some green tea (phony) behavior?


    Her love-struck son obviouslycked the ability to discern such behavior, and a flicker of surprise crossed Ji Tingyang¡¯s eyes as he looked at Lin Xu.


    Could it be that his mother didn¡¯t like him being with Wen Li and was intentionally targeting her?


    He took a step forward, intending to have a proper talk with Lin Xu, when he heard a pained voice beside him, ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ji Tingyang asked quickly.


    ¡°I might have identally got cut by the ss, it¡¯s bleeding,¡± Wen Li lifted her arm to show a thin cut.


    The wound wasn¡¯t serious, and the blood soon stopped, but it still looked a bit unsightly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get¡­¡±


    Ji Tingyang hadn¡¯t finished speaking when he heard another sharp intake of breath.


    ¡°`


    This time, it was Lin Xu.


    She clutched her palm, with tears about to fall from her eyes, appearing pitifully endearing.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ji Tingyang asked.


    ¡°I also got cut by the ss, it hurts so much.¡± Tears brimmed in Lin Xu¡¯s eyes.


    Ji Tingyang immediately became anxious, he let go of Wen Li and quickly took Lin Xu out of the living room.


    He asked with concern, ¡°How could you be so careless? Where are you hurt, let me have a look!¡±


    As Lin Xu brushed past Wen Li, she winked at her, a triumphant expression on her face as if the pain she had just shown was an illusion.


    Acting like a damsel in distress? She knew how to do that too.


    Ji Tingyang quickly brought Lin Xu to the sofa to sit down, and when she lifted her index finger to show him the cut that was barely a few millimeters, he fell silent.


    ¡°This wound¡­ Is it going to heal in a few minutes?¡±


    Lin Xu nodded seriously, ¡°It looks like it¡¯s about to heal, but it still hurts a lot.¡±


    Ji Tingyang looked at her skeptically.


    Lin Xu immediately started to rub her eyes pitifully, ¡°In the past, when I had even a small wound, your dad would get so worried. Now that your dad is gone, there¡¯s no one to care about me.¡±


    As she spoke, her mouth quivered, and she was on the verge of crying.


    Ji Tingyang swiftly surrendered, took a band-aid from the first-aid kit, and carefully stuck it on her, ¡°If it hurts, just be careful over the next few days.¡±


    Lin Xu, ¡°I can¡¯t be careful, I still need to use my hand to hold chopsticks for eating.¡±


    Ji Tingyang, ¡°¡­¡±


    Wen Li stood not far away, watching the two of them chatting andughing on the sofa, her expression gradually darkening.


    Her own wound was far more severe than Lin Xu¡¯s insignificant cut, yet Ji Tingyang had left her to give Lin Xu a band-aid.


    Since when had she not been the top priority in Ji Tingyang¡¯s heart?


    Wen Li bit her lip, her mood sinking as she returned to her room.


    The cellphone thrown on the bed vibrated ¨C she had received a message.


    She reached for the phone. It was a message from an unknown number, but she recognized it ¨C it was from Ji Zeqiu.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be joining the crew and shooting in istion the day after tomorrow, can I see you tomorrow?¡±


    The first thing Wen Li thought of was the image of Ji Tingyang gripping her hand tightly, insisting she cut off all contact with Ji Zeqiu.


    Although he had blocked all of Ji Zeqiu and Xiao Yu¡¯s contact information on her phone, he was still fearful she would contact them secretly, almost keeping a watch on her all the time.


    Had it been before, she would have deleted the message immediately, let alone replying.


    But now, Ji Tingyang was almost always by Lin Xu¡¯s side, did he really still care with whom she met?


    Wen Li hesitated for a long while, then replied with a single word, ¡°Okay.¡±


    The next day.


    Following the address, Wen Li arrived at a very private small restaurant. When she pushed open the room door, she found that Ji Zeqiu had already been waiting there for her.


    Upon her arrival, Ji Zeqiu¡¯s face lit up with surprise, and he quickly stood up, ¡°Wen Li!¡±


    He knew Ji Tingyang kept a close watch on Wen Li. Even though she was willing to meet him, he hadn¡¯t harbored much hope.


    Yet, when he actually saw her, his entire being radiated joy.


    He eagerly grasped her arm, only to hear her hiss in pain.


    Ji Zeqiu looked down and saw a gash on her arm that was scabbing over and coldly said, ¡°Did Ji Tingyang do this?!¡±


    Upon hearing his words, Wen Li¡¯s eyes seemed to open a floodgate of tears, dropping one by one.


    She choked up, ¡°Zeqiu, will you take me away, please?¡±

 Chapter 22: The Desire for Warmth and Possessiveness

    Chapter 22: Chapter 22: The Desire for Warmth and Possessiveness


    Seeing Wen Li¡¯s tears, Ji Zeqiu¡¯s reason waspletely gone, and he agreed without a second thought.


    In the past, he had also told Wen Li that he would take her away from the Ji Family. But she always hesitated because of Ji Tingyang¡¯s threats and was unwilling to leave with him.


    Although he did not know why she agreed today, upon hearing her request, Ji Zeqiu immediately took her away.


    He originally wanted Wen Li to go to the film set with him, so Ji Tingyang would not be able to find her immediately, but Wen Li, concerned about school resuming after summer vacation ended in a month, refused to go to the film set.


    After thinking it over, Ji Zeqiu arranged for Wen Li to stay in the presidential suite of a hotel. ¡°You should settle down here for now, I will have someone send over your clothester.¡±


    Wen Li suddenly said she wanted to leave the Ji Mansion, not bringing anything with her, not even a change of clothes.


    After finishing speaking, he took out a medicine box, his head slightly bowed.


    Ji Zeqiu, with his prominent nasal bridge and tightly pursed lips, took care of her wounds seriously, exuding a reserved yet unique charm.


    His movements were so gentle.


    Even if one was not his fan, anyone would be moved by such meticulous care.


    Wen Li¡¯s cheeks flushed with a hint of red, and she murmured a thank you.


    After he had treated her wounds, Ji Zeqiu left the bedroom, allowing her to rest properly.


    He walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, lit a cigarette, and looked at the hustle and bustle below, inexplicably recalling the past.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Since his parents died early, he and his siblings had depended on each other. After living at their aunt¡¯s house for a few years, they moved to another rtive¡¯s home due to their cousin¡¯s annoyance with them.


    But no one likes outsiders upying their home, so not long after, they were thrown into somebody else¡¯s house.


    Coming and going, until Ji Tingyang came of age and reimed the Ji Mansion where his parents had lived, they finally had a ce to settle down.


    As Ji Tingyang was busy reiming the Ji Family¡¯s properties and his sister ran around outside all day, the siblings gradually saw less of each other.


    One day, he fell ill, and trying to support himself to the hospital, he fainted at the entrance hall.


    ¡°Your temperature is so hot, wake up, I¡¯m taking you to the hospital,¡± a small hand poked him.


    He tried to open his eyes to see who it was, but it felt as if his eyes were glued shut, unable to open them at all.


    In a blurry haze, he felt someone applying a wet towel to his forehead, mumbling for him to wake up soon.


    It felt so familiar¡­


    When he was a child and often had fevers, his mother did the same, anxiously staying by his bedside all night, checking his forehead every few minutes, wishing for him to get better soon.


    His heart filled with longing and warmth.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡±


    His hand moved slightly, grasping that warm dream.


    When he woke up again, Ji Zeqiu was already in the hospital.


    ¡°That¡¯s great, you¡¯re finally awake!¡± a sweet voice eximed joyfully.


    He turned his head, and what he saw was a young girl, her eyes smiling at him.


    She blushed and pointed to her other hand. ¡°Your hand is hurting me, can you let go?¡±


    Only then did Ji Zeqiue to his senses and realize he had been holding onto someone else¡¯s wrist.


    He quickly released her, apologizing with a hoarse and dry voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    The young girl¡¯s smile was sweet, and he couldn¡¯t help but take a few more nces at her.


    It was onlyter that he found out she was a friend of Ji Tingyang¡¯s, who hade to the Ji Mansion that day to help Ji Tingyang fetch something and found him fainted.


    Perhaps because he and Ji Tingyang were simr, he could see that Ji Tingyang¡¯s gaze towards Wen Li was the same as his, both filled with a longing for and possessiveness of this warmth.


    In the end, it turned into a huge mess¡­


    ¡°Knock, knock, knock.¡±


    The sound of knocking at the door outside interrupted his thoughts.


    Ji Zeqiu extinguished the cigarette in his hand and turned to open the door.


    Upon seeing Ji Zeqiu, Shen Qingtang handed him the bag she was carrying, ¡°Here¡¯s what you asked for.¡±


    Inside were some daily necessities and women¡¯s undergarments, all of which Ji Zeqiu had asked her to buy.


    When Shen Qingtang saw that Ji Zeqiu wanted her to deliver the items to the hotel, her expression turned ugly.


    Everyone was an adult and naturally understood what it meant.


    Still, she harbored a sliver of hope.


    She had known Ji Zeqiu for so long and besides her, she had never seen another woman by his side.


    Perhaps it was a misunderstanding, or maybe it was for someone else?


    However, Ji Zeqiuzily received the bag without any intention of exining.


    Shen Qingtang¡¯s hand by her side clenched into a fist. She was just about to ask when she saw a woman wearing a bathrobee out of the bedroom calling for him.


    ¡°Zeqiu, everything here is too smart; I can¡¯t figure out how to use the showerhead.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll check it out.¡±


    After saying this, Ji Zeqiu heartlessly shut the door.


    Shen Qingtang stood in the hallway outside, the image of the woman she had seen in the room shing through her mind, her face turning pale.


    That woman¡­ resembled her somewhat.


    Ji Zeqiu had once said she was just a substitute, so was the woman in the room the real deal?


    The woman Ji Zeqiu had always been obsessed with?


    So they were together in the room now¡­


    The more Shen Qingtang thought about it, the more her chest hurt, and eventually, she forgot how she had even left the hotel.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The first night Wen Li left Ji Mansion, Ji Tingyang did not notice.


    She should have been happy, thinking that Ji Tingyang had finally given up his persistence on her, yet somehow she felt a loss, and couldn¡¯t sleep well.


    The next day, Ji Tingyang seemed to finally remember her, calling her early in the morning. The ringtone sounded particrly impatient, breaking off and resuming over and over again.


    After quite a while, Wen Li answered the phone slowly.


    ¡°Wen Li! Who gave you the audacity not toe home at night! Come back right this instant!¡±


    Even through the phone, one could feel Ji Tingyang¡¯s raging fury.


    Wen Li gripped her phone, resisting, ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back.¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    ¡°Anyway, you don¡¯t like me anymore, you didn¡¯t even notice I didn¡¯te home. Since that¡¯s the case, please let me go.¡±


    There was a moment of silence on the other end, then through gritted teeth, three words came out: ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡±


    Then the phone call was disconnected.


    Wen Li hadn¡¯t yet figured out what he meant when another call came in.


    It was her mother.


    Keeping in mind that her mother worked at Ji¡¯s, a wave of unease rose within her.


    ¡°Lili, have you been fighting with President Ji recently?¡± her mother asked bluntly.


    Wen Li: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°The HR department just suddenly informed your dad that he¡¯s being transferred to work in the western branch. It¡¯s remote and hard there, how can your father endure it? And after your father leaves, what am I supposed to do by myself? I know you have a good rtionship with President Ji, could you possibly ask him to make an exception?¡± her mother pleaded frantically.


    Wen Li instantly understood that Ji Tingyang was using her family to threaten her to return.

 Chapter 23: Madman

    Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Madman


    Ji Tingyang seemed certain that Wen Li would return, so he didn¡¯t rush to contact her after that phone call.


    Instead, it was her mother¡¯s calls that came from time to time, persuading her to get along well with Ji Tingyang and avoid quarrels.


    ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you ask Dad to quit his job and find another one? That way, he won¡¯t have to be transferred to a branch office, and we can all be together,¡± Wen Li said.


    ¡°Silly child, your dad is over fifty years old. If he leaves the Ji Family, which otherpany would want your dad and pay him such a high sry? And your brother, it¡¯s time for him to marry too¡­ If your dad quits, how would he earn the wedding money for your brother¡­¡± Mrs. Wen rambled on non-stop.


    Ever since her parents found out she knew the president of such a bigpany, they were persuading her to interact more with Ji Tingyang, almost wishing she could marry into the Ji Family and secure arge sum of money.


    Wen Li knew that if she didn¡¯tpromise, her parents might even find a way to the hotel.


    Hesitant until evening, Wen Li finally took a taxi and returned to the Ji Family¡¯s house.


    The air in the mansion was eerily calm, as if it were the precursor to a storm.


    As soon as the butler saw Wen Li return, he immediately came to wee her: ¡®Lady Wen, you¡¯re finally back! Young Master Ji had a huge temper tantrum today. It¡¯s good you¡¯re back.¡¯


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Wen Li looked around but did not see him.


    Given Ji Tingyang¡¯s violent nature, it was surprising that he wasn¡¯t in the living room, waiting to settle scores with her the moment she returned.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ¡°Young Master Ji was just persuaded by Miss Lin to return to his bedroom. I¡¯ll go let him know right now,¡± the butler made as if to head upstairs.


    Wen Li wanted to stop him, but he moved so quickly that in a blink of an eye he had knocked on Ji Tingyang¡¯s bedroom door.


    The next instant, she saw Ji Tingyang with a gloomy face, quickly walking towards her.


    His eyes were bloodshot, and his cheeks were so cold it seemed as if they could form frost.


    Seeing him drawing closer, Wen Li fearfully stepped back two steps.


    However, Ji Tingyang, without saying a word, silently gripped her wrist and led her back to the bedroom.


    His grip grew tighter, causing Wen Li¡¯s cheeks to contort with pain and her body to stagger a bit.


    Back in the bedroom, Ji Tingyang pulled something out of the drawer. Before Wen Li could see clearly what it was, she heard a ¡°click,¡± and her wrist was handcuffed to the ornate headboard.


    It was a pair of silver handcuffs.


    Wen Li¡¯s face drastically changed, and she incredulously looked at him, ¡°Are you insane?!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am insane,¡± Ji Tingyang¡¯s face was frighteningly somber, yet his touch was tender as he caressed her cheek and gently rubbed it: ¡°Only this way, you won¡¯t leave¡­¡±


    Wen Li¡¯s heart trembled, and she shrank back in fear.


    During this period, Ji Tingyang had been too gentle, making herpletely forget that he was actually a madman.


    ¡°I¡­I won¡¯t leave. Will you let me go, please?¡± her voice quavered, pleading.


    However, Ji Tingyang remained silent, obsessively stroking her cheek.


    ¡°And if you lock me up like this, how will I eat?¡± Wen Li bit her lip.


    ¡°I will feed you.¡±


    ¡°What about going to the bathroom?¡±


    ¡°I will carry you.¡±


    She tried to persuade Ji Tingyang, but it waspletely futile. Tears fell from her cheeks, only to be wiped away one by one by him.


    Wen Li angrily pushed him away, not even looking as she randomly grabbed something and threw it at him.


    Bang.


    Blood blossomed on Ji Tingyang¡¯s forehead.


    Wen Li paused for a moment, only to realize that she had thrown her frequently used water cup, which nowy shattered on the floor.

 Chapter 24 - 24 Bedtime Story

    Chapter 24: Chapter 24 Bedtime Story


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s fingers grazed his forehead, and, upon seeing the blood on his fingertips, he remainedposed, simply telling Wen Li to rest well before leaving her bedroom.


    As soon as he left the bedroom, he saw Lin Xu in the hallway, pacing back and forth with a nervous expression and asionally stealing nces at the bedroom door.


    When Lin Xu saw Ji Tingyang emerge, she instinctively averted her gaze guiltily, but upon seeing the blood on his face, she ran forward in shock.


    ¡°What happened to your forehead? Why are you bleeding?!¡± Lin Xu asked anxiously, reaching out to touch his forehead but hesitating, afraid that the bacteria on her hands might infect the wound, her hand freezing in mid-air.


    She had heard themotion inside and had been too scared to enter, never imagining that things had be so serious. Had they really started fighting?


    Ji Tingyang took her hand that was frozen in mid-air and rested his head on her shoulder, his deep and dark eyes showing a flicker of pain where she couldn¡¯t see.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Lin Xu, not concerned about staining her clothes with blood, gently patted his head and cooed softly, ¡°Shall we let the doctor take a look at your wound first?¡±


    It took a long while before Ji Tingyang responded with a muffled affirmation.


    After receiving the call, the family doctor immediately rushed over. Upon seeing the wound, he inhaled sharply while fumbling with his medical kit, muttering, ¡°This wound needs two or three stitches.¡±


    Lin Xu stood up to make room for the doctor, but Ji Tingyang held onto her hand, leaving her no space to retreat.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go¡­¡± His voice was hoarse, and at this moment, he looked as vulnerable as a child on the brink of copse.


    Lin Xu quickly reassured him, ¡°I¡¯m not going, just making some space.¡±


    With Ji Tingyang now half-lying on the bed and Lin Xu sitting on the edge, there was hardly any room for the doctor.


    Before Ji Tingyang could speak, the doctor quickly waved his hands, saying, ¡°It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine, let him hold your hand.¡±


    The doctor, seemingly well aware of Ji Tingyang¡¯s stubbornness, didn¡¯t bother attempting to persuade him, and instead took initiative to go to the other side of the bed to treat the wound.


    The doctor was very skilled, administering anesthetic, stitching, and then bandaging, all in under ten minutes.


    He then took out some prescriptions from his medical kit and handed them to Lin Xu, ¡°These are anti-inmmatory medications, take them three times a day.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and have you finished the previous medications? Do you need a refill?¡± the doctor asked further.


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than the doctor caught Ji Tingyang¡¯s sharp gaze. He tensed up, realizing he had misspoken, and promptly shut his mouth.


    ¡°What previous medication?¡± Lin Xu asked, puzzled.


    The doctor shook his head and did not borate, simply reiterated a few care instructions for the wound and left the vi.


    Lin Xu turned to look at Ji Tingyang, intending to get some answers, but found he had already leaned against the headboard, his eyes closed in rest.


    He was definitely doing it on purpose.


    That¡¯s what Lin Xu thought indignantly.


    ¡°If you want to sleep, lie down properly on the bed, otherwise you¡¯ll wake up with a stiff neck tomorrow,¡± she said, revealing his act without mercy.


    ¡°¡­¡± Ji Tingyang shifted his body andy down properly on the bed.


    Lin Xuughed softly, ¡°Alright, go to sleep. I¡¯m going back to my room.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go¡­¡±


    Ji Tingyang seemed particrly clingy tonight.


    It seemed that in some ways, even after growing up, some things never change, Lin Xu thought with a chuckle to herself.


    ¡°Would you like a bedtime story?¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡±


    Lin Xu remembered that the day before her car ident, she had told a bedtime story to the two brothers, but that night¡¯s story was only half-told.


    She recalled the rest and began, ¡°The big bad wolf opened its mouth to eat Little Red Riding Hood, but just then, the hunter appeared¡­¡±


    Lin Xu¡¯s voice was as gentle as a spring breeze, lightly soothing his restless heart, bringing tranquility and softness.


    Hearing her voice, Ji Tingyang drifted off to sleep unconsciously.


    That night, he had a dream.


    He dreamed of his childhood, where he and Ji Zeqiu slept in the same bed, with Lin Xu lying between them, her arms around both of them.


    Her gentle voice narrated the story, ¡°One day, Little Red Riding Hood carried the cake her mother made for her to bring to her grandmother¡¯s house, and on the way, she met a big, bad wolf¡­¡±


    The story continued without interruption, and from that day on, Little Red Riding Hood, along with her grandmother and mother, lived happily ever after.


    He was very satisfied with the ending of the story, as if their family of five shared the same happiness as the characters in the tale.


    ¡­


    The next day.


    Ji Tingyang woke up from a beautiful dream, he shifted his body and felt warmth in the palm of his hand.


    He turned his head to look, finding that his hand was still tightly grasping her wrist, and Lin Xu had not pulled away; she had made do with sleeping on the edge of the bed.


    Thinking of how he had again refused to let her gost night, insisting she tell a bedtime story, a flush of embarrassment crossed Ji Tingyang¡¯s cheeks.


    He got out of bed, reached out his hand, and carried Lin Xu onto his bed, wanting her to get a better sleep.


    Lin Xu had been lying on the edge of the bed all night without proper rest, her body stiff and aching. As soon as Ji Tingyang touched her hand, she awoke with a start.


    ¡°Hmm? Is it morning?¡± Lin Xu rubbed her bleary eyes.


    Ji Tingyang retracted his hand, ¡°Go sleep on the bed.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°I have to go to work.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    Lin Xu, too drowsy to care, climbed onto the bed and quickly closed her eyes again.


    Before falling asleep, she muttered, asking Ji Tingyang to cool off and to throw away Wen Li¡¯s handcuffs.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s lips tightened, seemingly reluctant as his agitated emotions began to fester within him.


    He furrowed his brows irritably, but as his gazended on Lin Xu sleeping on the bed, he paused.


    The restlessness had just arisen but gradually subsided.


    As long as his mother was by his side, that was all that mattered¡­


    Ji Tingyang went to Wen Li¡¯s bedroom, Wen Li had not yet awakened, her cheeks streaked with two distinct lines of tears, as though she had cried all night.


    The skin where her right hand had been cuffed was chafed red.


    He rubbed his nose, feeling as if his emotions were increasingly hard to control.


    He let out a deep breath, quickly unlocked the handcuffs, and left the room.


    When Lin Xu woke up, it was already noon.


    Still concerned about Wen Li, she had nned to check on her after getting up. No sooner had she stepped out of her room than she encountered Wen Li in the hallway.


    But Wen Li looked as frightened as a mouse encountering a cat; upon seeing Lin Xu, she immediately ran back into her room and locked the door.


    Well, at least Ji Tingyang had listened to her and truly thrown the handcuffs away.


    Lin Xu had another matter on her mind.


    Taking advantage of Ji Tingyang still working in the study, she found the butler and got straight to the point, ¡°Butler, do you know if Ji Tingyang is taking any medicine?¡±


    The butler had worked for the Ji Family for several years and should have heard something.


    ¡°Uh, this¡­¡± Caught off guard by her question, the butler hesitated momentarily, his expression unsure.


    ¡°If you know anything, please tell me, even if it¡¯s a terminal illness, I will find a way to cure him!¡± Lin Xu covered her face with her hands, crying despondently.


    ¡°It¡¯s not as serious as a terminal illness, Miss Lin, please don¡¯t be sad,¡± the butler consoled uncertainly.


    ¡°Oh? So, you do know something?¡± Lin Xu looked up, her face devoid of any tears.


    Butler: ¡°¡­¡±


    He had been tricked.

 Chapter 25: Paranoid Personality Disorder

    Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Paranoid Personality Disorder


    The butler wanted to feign ignorance at this point, but it was no use. As soon as he tried to divert the topic, Lin Xu dragged the conversation back with persistent inquiries.


    ¡°His mental state was off all day yesterday, extremely anxious and irritable. If there¡¯s anything you know, maybe you could help him,¡± Lin Xu said with a worried look in her eyes, which were brimming with tears, pitifully pleading, ¡°You can trust me, I¡¯ll keep it a secret and won¡¯t tell anyone that you told me!¡±


    The butler hesitated for a long time.


    After all, he had worked at the Ji Mansion for nine years, since the day Ji Tingyang took back the Ji Mansion and hired him.


    He had witnessed the warmth between the Ji siblings, and now only Ji Tingyang was left, living alone in the mansion¡­


    In the end, the butler¡¯s heart softened, ¡°Actually¡­ Young Master Ji has been taking antipsychotic medication, for two years now.¡±


    Lin Xu was startled.


    She had not expected this answer.


    ¡°¡­Psychotic disorder?¡± Her mind raced through various conditions, including schizophrenia.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s just medication for anxiety and depression, to help alleviate paranoid thoughts,¡± the butler reassured her, seeing the panic in her expression, knowing she was overthinking it.


    For a while, Ji Tingyang had been anxious and disyed symptoms of depression, which the butler initially thought were due to work stress.


    Until one day, Ji Tingyang suddenly brought Wen Li back to the Mansion.


    ¡°From now on, you¡¯ll live here. If you want anything, just tell me, and I¡¯ll have it sent to you,¡± he said softly, caressing Wen Li¡¯s cheek, his gaze intense with a trace of paranoia, ¡°If you want to go out, tell me, and I¡¯ll take you, or I¡¯ll have the bodyguards apany you.¡±


    Wen Li¡¯s face turned pale, her normally fair skin growing even more ghastly. Tears fell like pearls off a broken string, as she nodded helplessly and fearfully.


    Ji Tingyang leaned forward slightly, cing her hand on his head, encouraging her to stroke it, and then, as if satisfied, a faint smile spread across his lips.


    Yet, even so, it did not prevent Ji Tingyang from bing increasingly deranged.


    When he returned from work to an empty living room, his expression suddenly became frantic.


    He rushed upstairs and violently pushed open the door at the end of the hall.


    Wen Li was on the couch looking at her phone, startled by Ji Tingyang¡¯s actions, nearly dropping her phone on the floor.


    Before she could speak, Ji Tingyang, with a fierce expression, grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up at him, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you in the living room? Why aren¡¯t you waiting for me toe back the moment I arrive?¡±


    ¡°Who are you chatting with, Xiao Yu? What¡¯s so good about him? Do you like him that much?¡±


    Ji Tingyang started to curse, his gaze falling on her phone, feeling his eyes burning and aching, which spread pain throughout his temples.


    He snatched Wen Li¡¯s phone and nearly smashed it to the ground, the sharp shrieks echoing in his ears.


    What happened afterward, he couldn¡¯t quite remember, only knowing it was Ji Zeqiu who dragged him out.


    ¡°Are you out of your mind!¡± Ji Zeqiu snarled, grabbing his cor, grinding his teeth.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s back was against the wall, his body sliding down slowly until he was seated on the floor.


    He rubbed his forehead, looking exhausted, ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    It happened twice, three times, bing more frequent.


    Ji Zeqiu forcibly took him to see a psychiatrist, and the diagnosis revealed he had paranoid personality disorder.


    Ji Tingyang craved Wen Li¡¯s asional warmth so much that it led to an obsessive possessiveness toward her, often apanied by sensitivity, suspicion, jealousy, and other symptoms.


    ¡°The causes are generally divided into gic, environmental, and familial factors.¡± However, the doctor said that Ji Tingyang¡¯s disorder was most likely due to family factors.


    Perhaps it was due to an early loss of love, the absence of parents in his childhood.


    Currently, there is no effective medication to treat it, but perhaps psychological therapy could be tried.


    However, after two years, Ji Tingyang¡¯s condition had not improved, and his quarrels with Wen Li became more frequent.


    Until a month ago, the sudden appearance of Lin Xu interrupted Ji Tingyang¡¯s outbursts.


    After that incident, Ji Tingyang¡¯s mood stabilized significantly, and his face held more smiles. Despite iming it was a bother, he was still willingly apanying her on shopping trips.


    If it were her, maybe she really could cure Young Master Ji¡¯s illness.


    With this thought, the butler told Lin Xu about it.


    After hearing this, Lin Xu grew silent, her mind a chaotic mess, her spirit somewhat bewildered.


    Seeing her not speaking, the butler felt uneasy.


    Had he said too much, causing Miss Lin to be scared? What if Miss Lin simply ran away?


    He wished he had just kept his mouth shut.


    As he was caught up in regret and self-reproach, Lin Xu thanked the butler and went back to her room with a solemn expression.


    That afternoon, Lin Xu spent almost the entire time shut in her room, sitting in front of theputer researching about obsessivepulsive personality disorder for hours, even forgetting to have dinner, working even harder than Ji Tingyang when he reviewed documents.


    ¡°Knock knock.¡±


    The knocking sounded a few times before Ji Tingyang pushed the door open and sighed in relief upon seeing Lin Xu at theputer.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lin Xu looked up, puzzled.


    ¡°It¡¯s already 9 PM, and you haven¡¯te down for dinner¡­¡± Afraid that you might disappear again, Ji Tingyang paused, then effortlessly changed the subject, ¡°I was worried you might be hungry.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t felt it before he mentioned it, but as soon as he did, her stomach immediately grumbled.


    Lin Xu looked up embarrassedly, ready to say that feeling hungry is normal and not tough at it. However, Ji Tingyang, true to his form as a seasoned CEO, remained unflustered throughout.


    His serious demeanor made Lin Xu almostugh.


    Closing herptop, Lin Xu asked him before going downstairs, ¡°Have you had dinner yet?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ haven¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Then that¡¯s perfect, let¡¯s go down and eat together!¡±


    Lin Xu took Ji Tingyang¡¯s hand and they went downstairs.


    The dining table was set with food that had been kept warm. Lin Xu picked up her chopsticks, eager to eat a few bites, but noticed that Ji Tingyang hadn¡¯t even started.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating? Does it not suit your taste?¡± she blinked.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that, I, I¡­¡± Ji Tingyang stammered.


    ¡°How about I cook you a bowl of scallion noodles?¡±


    Almost instantly, Lin Xu felt a gleam light up in Ji Tingyang¡¯s eyes, which quickly faded.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he agreed, seeming a bit reluctant.


    Lin Xu smiled without calling him out and went into the kitchen to fetch the leftover noodles fromst time, and started cooking.


    Through the ss door of the kitchen, Ji Tingyang watched Lin Xu busily moving about, and his mood lightened as well.


    He fiddled with the fingers at his side as if remembering something, then stood up to follow her into the kitchen, taking over the spat from her hand, ¡°How do you do this?¡±


    Lin Xu was surprised to see he genuinely wanted to help, so she yed the supervisor and instructed from the side, ¡°First, add a suitable amount of salt, then pour a suitable amount of oil.¡±


    ¡°¡­How much is a suitable amount?¡±


    ¡°As much as you like.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey hey hey! That¡¯s too much salt! Are you trying to salt yourself to death? Quickly add some water to dilute it!¡±


    The kitchen was chaos and pandemonium, yet there was a touch of warmth.N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 26: Commuting Pick-up and Drop-off

    Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Commuting Pick-up and Drop-off


    The next day.


    Ji Tingyang walked toward his study as usual and started today¡¯s work.


    Ever since Lin Xu had been reborn, he had not been seen going out to work at Ji¡¯s, and his work had also been transferred and brought to his study by his secretary.


    Initially, it was to keep an eye on Wen Li and prevent her from sneaking out, but over time, he had grown ustomed to it.


    Lin Xu felt that staying at home all day, even a normal person would get sick of it.


    She needed to find a way to get him back to a normal life, starting with going out to work.


    So, during lunch, Lin Xu suddenly sighed deeply.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ji Tingyang asked, ¡°Is the food not to your liking?¡±


    It seemed as if she just needed to nod, and he would immediately have the food on the table removed and reced.


    Lin Xu shook her head, her expression still mncholic, ¡°I just watched a TV drama, there was a scene where a mother was sending her child to and from school, and it suddenly reminded me that I hardly ever did that for you. I feel somewhat guilty.¡±


    When Xiao Tingyang was in preschool, she would asionally do it, but more often it was her husband. Every day before going to work at thepany, he would first drop Xiao Tingyang off at preschool and pick him up after work.


    Later, when Xiao Tingyang started first grade, it shifted to the family driver doing the drop-offs and pickups. Lin Xu had even less opportunity to do so before she crossed into the future, twenty yearster.


    As for the twenty years when she wasn¡¯t present, no one took care of theirmuting anymore. At merely seven or eight years old, Xiao Tingyang took on the role of a responsible older brother, taking public buses to drop Xiao Zeqiu at the preschool before switching buses to go to school himself.


    Later, as his sister grew and also started school, he would be responsible for dropping both off.


    Ji Tingyang also remembered this, and said indifferently, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, it¡¯s all in the past.¡±


    ¡°How can that be!¡± Lin Xu said, still upset.


    Ji Tingyang wanted to continue to console her, but then he saw a bright idea light up in her eyes, and she made a suggestion.


    ¡°How about this, I¡¯ll drop you off and pick you up from work!¡±


    He paused for a moment.


    ¡°Now that you have graduated too, since I can¡¯t re-experience sending you to school, the only choice left is to drive you to and from work as a form ofpensation. Get ready now, I¡¯ll take you to thepany at two!¡± Lin Xu urged.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Ji Tingyang hesitated, but seeing her excited, he swallowed his words back, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Lin Xu was determined and efficient.


    As if afraid he would change his mind, the moment it was time, she immediately dragged him into the car.


    The location of the Ji Group was still the same as before, but over the many years, many aspects of its setup had changed.


    The mixed feelings in Lin Xu¡¯s heart were fleeting. She followed Ji Tingyang out of the car and meticulously reminded him at the door:


    ¡°I¡¯ll wander nearby. Call me when you get off work, and I¡¯lle pick you up. Make sure to work hard.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a child,¡± Ji Tingyang said helplessly.


    ¡°In a mother¡¯s eyes, you¡¯re always a child.¡± These words, which Lin Xu¡¯s mother used to say to her, were now spoken by her to Ji Tingyang.


    Yet, looking at the youthful cheek that wasn¡¯t much older than his, Ji Tingyang felt it somewhat strange.


    The president who hadn¡¯t been to thepany for over two years suddenly appeared, startling the staff. The rxed posture of cking off the previous second was immediately reced by a strict readiness, as they worked diligently.


    Only then did Ji Tingyang realize howx each department had be at his arrival, no wonder the workload he had to handle was increasing and the efficiency was worse than in previous years.


    He snorted coldly.


    Just two hours ago, Ji Tingyang was reluctant to go to the office, but the next second, he initiated a major internal overhaul.


    Suddenly, thepany was filled with sighs andints.


    Meanwhile, Lin Xu was leisurely tasting coffee in a caf¨¦.


    Thinking of Ji Zeqiu still enclosed in the filming crew, she felt better and sent many instructions to her agent to take good care of Ji Zeqiu.


    After more than ten minutes, the other party perfunctorily replied with a ¡°okay,¡± not knowing if they had read the messagepletely.


    ¡°Hiss, are you blind? This clothing is very expensive. Can you afford topensate it? Where is your manager? I want to make aint about you!¡±


    A voice full of curses rose nearby.


    Lin Xu looked up and saw a customer quarreling with a waiter.


    The waiter hadn¡¯t held the cup steady, and coffee had spilled out, staining the clothes inside a paper bag that the customer carried.


    Just by seeing the logo of a high-end brand printed on the paper bag, she knew the price must be steep.


    The waiter bent down and apologized to the customer, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry, I wasn¡¯t holding it steady, it¡¯s all my fault. I¡¯ll clean it up for you right now¡­¡±


    ¡°Clean? Not all clothes can be washed, do you realize that because of what you did, I now don¡¯t have a gown to wear to tonight¡¯s banquet!¡± the customer, on the verge of a breakdown, demanded to see the manager forpensation again.


    ¡°I¡¯ll definitely clean it well, taking it to dry cleaning is also possible, please don¡¯tin about me¡­¡± the waiter said, his expression conflicted.


    If he received oneint, two hundred yuan would be deducted from his sry, which effectively meant working for free for two days.


    As the dispute remained unresolved, a girl suddenly pulled the waiter behind her and protected him, ¡°Xiao Yu, why do you even apologize! It¡¯s just a piece of clothing. How much can it be worth?¡±


    The girl showed disdain.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ¡°Since it isn¡¯t worth much, thenpensate one hundred thousand yuan,¡± the customer pulled out the invoice to prevent them from thinking she was extorting them.


    ¡°I thought it would be much more than that, it¡¯s just one hundred thousand yuan,¡± the girl pulled out her phone, scanned the customer¡¯s QR code, and in a few seconds, she transferred one hundred thousand yuan.


    Having received thepensation, the customer did no longer cared, sized up Xiao Yu and the girl once more before leaving, and clicked her tongue as she said, ¡°Nowadays, young girls start keeping kept men.¡±


    Xiao Yu¡¯s expression abruptly changed, and he looked at the girl with a cold gaze, ¡°I don¡¯t need your help, and I¡¯ll pay you back that one hundred thousand yuanter.¡±


    ¡°But if I hadn¡¯t helped you, she would haveined about you,¡± the girl hurriedly said, ¡°and besides, one hundred thousand yuan means nothing to me, it¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t pay it back.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you stop bothering me?¡± Xiao Yu said to the girl who followed closely by his side.


    Lin Xu watched for a few minutes, withdrew her gaze, and clicked her tongue as she shook her head.


    The boy¡¯s attitude towards the girl was so poor, she really didn¡¯t understand why the girl kept pursuing it.


    But that was ultimately someone else¡¯s private affair, Lin Xu just sighed, and soon put the matter out of her mind.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Ji Group.


    Ji Tingyang asionally looked at his watch, his expression impatient.


    The secretary beside him, sweating profusely, worriedly muttered to himself about why the director hadn¡¯t brought the annual financial report yet. President Ji was so anxious that he checked the time every two minutes.


    Every time Ji Tingyang looked at his watch, the secretary felt as if his life span was shortening by a few minutes.


    ¡°President Ji, here are this year¡¯s financial reports.¡±


    Under continuous prompting by the secretary, the director finally arrived.


    However, Ji Tingyang didn¡¯t even look at it, picked up his coat from the back of the chair, and took the report as well, ¡°Working hours have ended, I¡¯ll look at it when I get home.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± The secretary nced at the time.


    Just on the dot, exactly six o¡¯clock.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s sudden appearance and the ensuing shake-up had prepared them all for overtime. Could the president really just leave on time?

 Chapter 27 - 27 "I hate you!

    Chapter 27: Chapter 27 ¡°I hate you!


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s unexpected visit frightened many people. Although he had note to thepany for a long time, he quickly got into the swing of things upon arrival.


    The secretary followed Ji Tingyang with trepidation, visiting almost a dozen departments. At each one, a few employees who had cked off had their bonuses docked, and then some whocked sufficient work capabilities were dismissed.


    ¡°Do you think President Ji is nning a major staff overhaul?¡±


    ¡°Shh, don¡¯t talk nonsense, get back to work! Be careful, or we might be the next ones out the door.¡±


    In just one hour, the entirepany was on edge, afraid they might be the next unlucky ones.


    Even as the end of the workday neared, not a single employee dared to rx, all having the resolve to strive on their posts until dawn if necessary.


    Some even canceled their evening dates.


    As soon as six o¡¯clock came, the secretary announced in thepany group chat that President Ji had left work and everyone else could go home too.


    That¡¯s it for the day?


    What if President Jies back to do a surprise check and fires everyone who¡¯s not working overtime?


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    It¡¯s quite possible.


    Everyone dragged their feet at their stations, afraid to leave.


    While everyone was nervous, Ji Tingyang had already gotten into the car and was on his way home with Lin Xu.


    As soon as Ji Tingyang got in the car, he saw Lin Xu mysteriously reaching for something out of his line of sight.


    ¡°Ta-da! Ice cream!¡±


    Ji Tingyang was stunned for a moment before a cone was thrust into his hand.


    The cold sensation spread in his palm. He stared at the ice cream for a few seconds until he heard Lin Xu urging him, and then he came to his senses.


    ¡°Eat it quick, or it¡¯ll melt.¡±


    Ji Tingyang responded tersely and took a bite. His lips and teeth clung to the cold sensation, which slightly alleviated the heat generated by the hot summer day.


    Feeling physically and mentally rxed, Ji Tingyang¡¯s mood lifted a notch, and he took a few more bites.


    It seemed like going to work wasn¡¯t so bad after all.


    ¡°I saw there are a lot of food stalls near yourpany, so let¡¯s try something else tomorrow,¡± Lin Xu nned to sample everything at the food stall.


    He had thought that her visiting thepany today was just a whim, but did she really want him to go to work again tomorrow?


    Ji Tingyang was reluctant, but he nced at the ice cream in his hand and felt torn, falling silent.


    As the car drove past a school, they coincidentally ran into the rush of students leaving for the day and got stuck at the intersection in front of the school for a while.


    Ji Tingyang looked out the window to see young kids exiting the school and holding their parents¡¯ hands, quickly gathering around a nearby stall to buy grilled sausages.


    The atmosphere was warm and delightful.


    He looked at the grilled sausages, then back at the almost finished ice cream in his hand, his lips pursed slightly.


    After a long hesitation, he finally agreed.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Before bed at night, Lin Xu pulled out a bedtime storybook she had bought at some point and asked Ji Tingyang, ¡°Do you want Mommy to read you a bedtime story?¡±


    Ji Tingyang looked embarrassed, his ears seemingly flushed with a touch of annoyed shyness: ¡°I¡¯m all grown up now!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Lin Xu was skeptical.


    As if it wasn¡¯t him who had asked Lin Xu to tell a story just a few days ago.


    ¡°Yes!¡± he affirmed.


    ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll take it back and read it myself, goodnight,¡± Lin Xu waved goodbye.


    Ji Tingyang went back to his room and took a deep breath.


    As usual before bed, he picked up his phone to check if there was anything unsettled, only to find a missed expense notification.


    A transfer of one hundred thousand yuan.


    Seeing the card number associated with it, Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression turned stern, and he flipped open his WeChat contacts with a cold face.


    JTY: ¡°Screenshot.¡±


    JTY: ¡°Where did this one hundred thousand yuan go?¡±


    The response came back quickly.


    Raining Qiao: ¡°Buying clothes!¡±


    JTY: ¡°You think I can¡¯t track the receiving ount?¡±


    The message ¡°The other party is typing¡± appeared for a few seconds but then no message was received.


    The other side seemed too guilty to make a sound.


    JTY: ¡°Did I not warn you that if you dare to use my money to finance some other man again, I¡¯ll cut off your card!¡±


    Raining Qiao: ¡°If you have the guts, just cut it off, starve me on the streets!¡±


    The provocation didn¡¯t work on Ji Tingyang; he scoffed coldly, operated his phone a few times, and quickly suspended the bank card.


    It seemed like the other party received the card suspension notification, and the next second, an angry message came through: ¡°I hate you!¡±


    JTY: ¡°When you break ties with that man, I¡¯ll restore it.¡±


    However, that message was not sent and was instead marked with a big red exmation point.


    The other party had already blocked him.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression turned even fouler, tossing his phone aside irritably. He was going to see just how long the pampered her couldst.


    ¡ª-


    In the following days, Lin Xu was particrly proactive in taking Ji Tingyang to and from work.


    Many employees of Ji¡¯s witnessed the entire process of a certain woman driving Ji Tingyang to and from work, and they all spected, could that beauty be the legendary Wen Li?


    It was somewhat known within the employee circle that Ji Tingyang¡¯s family had a particrly pampered canary at home.


    But everyone just gossiped privately, no one dared to mention it in thepany.


    After all, the current Ji Tingyang was a demon for docking bonuses and firing staff; no one dared to speak carelessly, and they were all being very cautious.


    ¡°Excuse me, is the President¡¯s office this way?¡±


    Someone came over to ask, the receptionist immediately put on a professional smile, ¡°Do you have an appointment?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°Without an appointment, you can¡¯t enter¡­¡± the receptionist was about to recite the well-rehearsed line when, after getting a clear look at the visitor, her voice suddenly faltered.


    Her tone changed, ¡°Even without an appointment, it¡¯s possible! Take that exclusive elevator there, and it goes straight to the President¡¯s office!¡±


    The visitor had a sweet smile, thanked her, and then headed in that direction.


    An employee said to the receptionist in horror, ¡°She doesn¡¯t have an appointment, aren¡¯t you afraid of getting scolded to death by President Ji?¡±


    The receptionist whispered, ¡°That woman is the beauty who often chauffeurs President Ji!¡±


    As she worked at the reception desk, close by, she had long since seen the woman who was in President Ji¡¯s car.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t let her go up and sheins to President Ji, then I¡¯ll be the one in trouble!¡±


    The employee thought about it and felt it made sense, then gave the receptionist a thumbs up, praising her cleverness.


    Lin Xu, holding a document, entered the elevator.


    She had just been sent to the beauty salon by the driver when she saw documents left in Ji Tingyang¡¯s car. Thinking that he might need them, she had the driver take her back.


    She had thought about not having an appointment and was nning to call Ji Tingyang so he coulde down to get them himself, but the receptionist was so amodating and let her through.


    The secretary had also seen Lin Xu, and was surprised to see hering up but quickly ushered her into the President¡¯s office.


    The secretary then stepped out to tell the assistant, ¡°Lady Wen has arrived, quickly bring in a cup of coffee!¡±


    Clearly.


    They had mistaken Lin Xu for someone else.

 Chapter 28: Mistaken Identity

    Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Mistaken Identity


    Lin Xu had intended to hand the documents to the secretary and let her handle them, but before she could speak, the secretary enthusiastically escorted her into the office.


    ¡°President Ji just went to a meeting, you can sit here and wait,¡± the secretary said, then hurriedly brought back a cup of coffee, ¡°I¡¯m just outside, just call me if you need anything.¡±


    Before Lin Xu could reply, the secretary turned and left the office, leaving her alone in the space.


    ¡°The secretary seems pretty busy,¡± Lin Xu muttered, cing the documents on Ji Tingyang¡¯s desk.


    Sitting down instinctively, she experienced a bit of what it felt like to be a president in the empty office.


    She yed with the ornaments on the desk and pulled open the drawers here and there.


    When she opened the bottom drawer on the right, her attention was caught by a framed photo.


    Lin Xu picked up the frame and opened it to find a family portrait; she looked closely and found it vaguely familiar.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In the photo, two young boys carefully protected the baby in the middle, their smiles radiant. Behind them, a couple held hands, gazing down at the two children sitting in front with indulgent expressions of resignation.


    This photo¡­ was the family portrait taken when her younger sister was just born, very heartwarming.


    But since everyone was not looking at the camera, they took another one.


    Unexpectedly, Ji Tingyang had printed it and brought it to thepany, but why hadn¡¯t he disyed it?


    Lin Xu wiped the dust off it before putting the frame back in the drawer.


    Getting bored while waiting in the office, Lin Xu went out for another round and encountered a frantic womaning out of the elevator area, heading straight for the president¡¯s office.


    She emerged again in less than two seconds, surveyed the area, didn¡¯t see the secretary, and then lifted her chin at Lin Xu, ¡°The new assistant?¡±


    ¡°Me? I¡¯m not¡­¡±


    Lin Xu paused, about to deny, only to hear her continue asking, ¡°Where¡¯s President Ji?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s at a meeting, if you¡¯re looking for him you can¡­¡±


    ¡°Help me make ten copies of this document, quickly,¡± she lifted the document in her hand, waving it at Lin Xu.


    Why do people never wait to hear others out, Lin Xu felt resigned, responding, ¡°I can¡¯t do it.¡±


    After over twenty years, many technologies had been upgraded; when Lin Xu had firste back to life, she couldn¡¯t even use the new features of mobile phones, let alone copy documents.


    The woman clicked her tongue disdainfully, ¡°If you can¡¯t, go check! How did you get hired as an assistant if you can¡¯t even do this?¡±


    She seemed very busy, her actions brisk, and she received another call while speaking.


    She shoved the document into Lin Xu¡¯s hands, turned to pick up the phone, and her domineering voice instantly softened, ¡°Darling~ what is it?¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop it~ Are we still on for tonight¡­¡±


    Seeing the woman only focused on flirting over the phone, Lin Xu had no choice but to pull out her phone, look up how to use the copier, and start making the copies for her.


    Just consider it a good deed for the day.


    The woman talked on the phone for half an hour, then, after hanging up, extended a hand toward Lin Xu expectantly.


    No response.


    She furrowed her brow in anger, waved her hand impatiently, and shouted, ¡°Where are the documents!¡±


    Lin Xu: ¡°Almost done, just two more to go.¡±


    ¡°Copying documents and still dawdling! I don¡¯t know what thepany hired you for!¡± The woman stomped over, pushed Lin Xu aside, and started fiddling with the copier herself.


    But a few secondster, paper jammed in the machine and the copier stopped working.


    After kicking the machine several times and realizing it was futile, shemanded Lin Xu in a bossy tone, ¡°What are you standing there stupidly for,e over here and fix it! Do you realize you¡¯ll be responsible if you dy President Ji¡¯s meeting materials?¡±


    Lin Xu¡¯s face grew cold, ¡°Maybe if you spent a few minutes less on the phone, you would have made it in time.¡±


    ¡°Half an hour to photocopy a document? With such sluggish work performance, you still dare to me me?!¡± The woman sneered as if she had heard the biggest joke in the world.


    ¡°If you¡¯re so capable, why didn¡¯t you do the photocopying yourself?¡± Lin Xu rolled her eyes.


    The woman was fuming.


    As a director of the administrative department, everyone in the department dared not treat her with anything less than courtesy. And here was this mere assistant, not only cking off at work but also having the audacity to give her attitude!


    At that moment, the private elevator opened.


    Ji Tingyang hurriedly walked towards his office.


    The meeting had just ended, and his secretary had informed him that Wen Li was waiting in his office.


    Wen Li had never visited thepany to see him, and although Ji Tingyang was puzzled, his pace quickened significantly.


    However, when he saw Lin Xu outside his office, his expression grew even more astonished.


    Could it be that his mother hade with Wen Li?


    Ji Tingyang walked over, but before he could even ask, a woman ran up to him and pointed at Lin Xu,ining.


    ¡°President Ji, how did you hire this assistant? She can¡¯t do anything right. It took her more than half an hour just to print a document, and I could have delivered it to the meeting room earlier. It¡¯s all her fault. Your meeting ended, but it still wasn¡¯t done, dying our work.¡±


    An assistant?


    Since when had his mother be an assistant?


    Could it be that she had applied for a job at Ji¡¯s and that¡¯s why she was here?


    Ji Tingyang looked at Lin Xu perplexedly, who merely shrugged and offered no exnation.


    The woman was stillining about the new assistant¡¯sck of workpetence, while Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression gradually turned icy.


    ¡°I informed you yesterday that I needed this document for today¡¯s meeting. You had all that time and didn¡¯t prepare, and now you¡¯re saying it¡¯s an assistant¡¯s fault?¡±


    The woman¡¯s body tensed slightly, and she said guiltily, ¡°Yesterday, yesterday I was too busy and forgot, I¡­ ¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all her fault! President Ji, if it weren¡¯t for her, my materials would have been ready long ago.¡± Her heart skipped a beat, and she recklessly med Lin Xu.


    Lin Xu¡¯s eyebrows lifted as she retorted, ¡°First, I¡¯m not an assistant; second, you brought the document when the meeting had already started¡ªyou werete; third, it wasn¡¯t me who dyed the task.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t a mute to be falsely used and remain silent.


    ¡°I, I¡­¡± The woman still tried to argue.


    ¡°Don¡¯t exin to me. I only look at results, not the process.¡± Ji Tingyang¡¯s working demeanor was formidable, his gaze sharp as a de, daunting anyone from meeting his eyes, ¡°Go to HR to settle your sry, you don¡¯t need toe to work tomorrow.¡±


    The woman¡¯s eyes immediately filled with tears, ¡°President Ji, I won¡¯t dare anymore, please don¡¯t fire me¡­¡±


    Ji Tingyang bypassed her, taking Lin Xu back to the office, shutting out the noise of the crying woman outside.


    The office was empty. Just as Ji Tingyang was about to ask his secretary where Wen Li was, he heard the secretary apologize to Lin Xu, ¡°Lady Wen, I¡¯m sorry, I had gone to deliver meeting materials to President Ji and wasn¡¯t outside to attend to you, causing you trouble.¡±


    Ji Tingyang was surprised, his mother was actually pretending to be Wen Li?


    Lin Xu was also surprised, ¡°Lady Wen? Myst name isn¡¯t Wen.¡±


    The secretary was even more astonished, ¡°Then who are you?¡±


    ¡°Lin Xu.¡±


    The secretary: ¡°¡­¡± Who the hell spread the rumor that Wen Li was the one dropping off and picking up President Ji from work every day!

 Chapter 29 - 29 "I only like you.

    Chapter 29: Chapter 29 ¡°I only like you.


    One month had flown by in the blink of an eye, and with the end of summer vacation, September and the start of school had arrived.


    Though Ji Tingyang might¡¯ve been crazy, he still had some sense and didn¡¯t interfere with her studies, so school was the only ce where she felt free.


    Since thest incident had frightened Wen Li, she had not dared to leave the Ji Family¡¯s residence. Xiao Yu had asked her out several times, but she had always found an excuse to decline.


    Now that school was finally starting, Wen Li¡¯s previously listless face had gained a bit of life.


    Upon reaching the school, Wen Li ran into Xu Wei, her ssmate. They had not been in contact since Wen Li, in a fit of anger, had blocked Xu Wei.


    Running into her at school now, Wen Li felt somewhat embarrassed.


    Xu Wei was showing off her newly purchased bag to the other students, looking very pleased with herself, ¡°Be careful, this bag is limited to five in the country and its price is six figures. If you damage it, you couldn¡¯t afford topensate.¡±


    ¡°Your boyfriend is so good to you, buying you such an expensive bag. Hey, Xu Wei, isn¡¯t that dress you¡¯re wearing thetest style from the magazines?¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯ve noticed as well, you really have an eye for it.¡± Hearing the envy in their tone, Xu Wei nearly burst with pride.


    She wanted to boast some more when she caught sight of Wen Li walking by them. She quickly called out to her, ¡°Wen Li.¡±


    Wen Li turned around, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have spoken about you and Xiao Yu like thatst time. I was blinded by money, thinking it was everything. Onlyter did I realize that there are things money can¡¯t measure.¡± Xu Wei clutched her bag and jogged over to Wen Li, her face filled with regret.


    Wen Li had thought her friendship with Xu Wei had reached its end, so when Xu Wei apologized, she was taken aback for a moment.


    ¡°Can you forgive me?¡± Xu Wei asked again.


    All along, everyone had called her foolish, for not choosing a wealthy and handsome guy, insisting on liking a poor boy instead.


    Wen Liforted herself by saying they simply didn¡¯t understand love, and like fighting against the whole world, she held onto her own thoughts.


    But now, Wen Li found that finally, someone was on her side. She was overjoyed, feeling understood atst, and without a second thought, she forgave Xu Wei, no longer overthinking.


    The two walked arm in arm to the ssroom, chatting about the joyful times they had during the summer holidays.


    When the topic turned to gossip, Xu Wei suddenly asked, ¡°Are you still staying with the Ji Family?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ji Tingyang won¡¯t let me leave. I have to go back after ss today,¡± Wen Li said.


    ¡°What right does he have to keep you locked up! It makes me so mad!¡± Xu Wei said indignantly, ¡°Do you n to stay there indefinitely?¡±


    ¡°I want to leave, but I have no way out,¡± Wen Li said with a sorrowful expression.


    She had tried many methods before but to no avail.


    ¡°If Ji¡¯s goes bankrupt and Ji Tingyang loses his wealth and power, you would then be free!¡± After pondering for a moment, Xu Wei suddenly had an idea.


    ¡°Ji¡¯s has strong finances, it¡¯s not so easy for them to go bankrupt,¡± Wen Li sighed.


    Xu Wei¡¯s eyes rolled as she leaned in and whispered in Wen Li¡¯s ear, ¡°I heard that Ji¡¯s isunching a new energy project with a huge investment. If we can get hold of their project information and expose it to Ji Group¡¯spetitors, Ji Group is certain to suffer greatly. Then Ji Tingyang will be too busy dealing with thepany¡¯s troubles to bother with you.¡±


    ¡°That¡­ doesn¡¯t seem right,¡± Wen Li hesitated.


    ¡°What¡¯s not right about it? It¡¯s his just deserts. Are you really nning to be controlled by Ji Tingyang for the rest of your life?¡± Xu Wei said.


    Wen Li bit her lip, her expression troubled, ¡°I, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, forget it. I was just saying it offhand. Don¡¯t take it to heart,¡± Xu Wei suddenly changed her serious expression to a smile, ¡°Besides, project information is so confidential, it¡¯s not that easy to get.¡±


    Wen Li breathed a sigh of relief and rxed. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s walk faster, or we¡¯re going to bete.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡ª¡ª


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    There weren¡¯t many sses today, and Wen Li finished after just two lessons. But she didn¡¯t want to go back yet, and wandered around the campus leisurely.


    She opened Xiao Yu¡¯s chat page, wanting to ask him what he was doing and thinking about finding him.


    As if fated, before she could send the typed message, she heard Xiao Yu¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Take this money for now. Even though it¡¯s not the full amount, I will pay you back slowly.¡±


    ¡°No need, I¡¯m not in a hurry. You can take the money back and give it to me when you have more in the future.¡±


    Wen Li followed the voices and saw a girl trailing behind Xiao Yu, constantly saying something.


    Wen Li recognized the girl, her name was Ji Yuqiao, Xiao Yu¡¯s ssmate. Even though Xiao Yu always treated her coldly, she persisted, hanging around him relentlessly.


    Xiao Yu had clearly stated that he disliked Ji Yuqiao.


    So why was Xiao Yu with her now, talking andughing, and even giving her money?


    Feeling a twinge of unease, Wen Li instinctively walked over and interrupted their conversation, ¡°Xiao Yu¡­¡±


    Upon seeing Wen Li, Xiao Yu¡¯s tightly pressed lips curved up slightly. ¡°Wen Li, did you just finish ss?¡±


    ¡°Mhm, I saw you and came over,¡± Wen Li said, looking at him and Ji Yuqiao. She added shyly, ¡°Did I interrupt you? I can wait over there if you want.¡±


    Ji Yuqiao rolled her eyes in secret.


    If you know you¡¯re interrupting, then don¡¯te over.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t interrupt. I just owed her some money and was paying her back,¡± Xiao Yu hastily exined, fearing she might misunderstand.


    ¡°Ah? Do you have enough money? Let me pay her back for you,¡± Wen Li said, flipping open her small purse.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡± To her surprise, Xiao Yu and Ji Yuqiao responded in unison.


    Ji Yuqiao turned to Wen Li with a tone full of hostility. ¡°It¡¯s Xiao Yu who owes me. Who are you to him to pay it back for him?¡±


    Xiao Yu also had his pride; he couldn¡¯t allow the girl he liked to pay back his debt. ¡°Keep your money. I can pay it back slowly by myself.¡±


    Rebuked by both of them, the smile that often graced Wen Li¡¯s lips stiffened, and her expression soured. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I know you meant well.¡± Xiao Yu stepped forward and took her hand.


    Seeing their fingers intertwined, Ji Yuqiao¡¯s expression darkened instantly; she had always known that Xiao Yu liked this gentle girl in front of her.


    At this moment, watching the two of them together so intimately, her heart felt as though it was being squeezed.


    ¡°I just remembered I haven¡¯t finished my homework. I have to go,¡± Ji Yuqiao made up an excuse and turned to leave.


    Watching Ji Yuqiao¡¯s retreating figure, Wen Li bit her lip. ¡°She seems to really like you¡­¡±


    Xiao Yu¡¯s grip on her hand tightened, his eyes fixed only on her. ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, the only person I like is you.¡±


    Hearing his deration again, Wen Li¡¯s cheeks flushed with color.

 Chapter 30 - 30 "I am her boyfriend.

    Chapter 30: Chapter 30 ¡°I am her boyfriend.


    Wen Li excused herself by saying that the first day of sses was very hectic, so she stayed out until evening with Xiao Yu before returning to the Ji Family residence.


    After two or three days, she encountered Ji Tingyang outside the school.


    The weather was scorching hot, and after strolling in the park for a while, Wen Li and Xiao Yu decided to seek refuge in arge shopping mall to enjoy the air conditioning.


    Xiao Yu bought her an ice cream. After taking a bite, Wen Li sat on a mall bench, swinging her legs with a joyful demeanor.


    The ice cream melted quickly in the summer heat, a few drips trickling down, making her palms sticky.


    Xiao Yu took out a wet wipe for her to clean her hands.


    Wen Li smiled, about to speak, when suddenly she was engulfed in a shadow.


    She looked up, and after she saw who it was, her smile abruptly froze on her face.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say your sses were heavy today?¡± Ji Tingyang¡¯s profound eyes shifted, staring at the small hand Xiao Yu was holding, the surrounding atmosphere turning frighteningly oppressive.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡± Wen Li immediately withdrew her hand, her mind seizing up as if its gears were jammed, unable to articte anything.


    Xiao Yu, entirely unaware of the danger, nced at Ji Tingyang in confusion, ¡°Wen Li, who is this?¡±


    Could he be a rtive from Wen Li¡¯s family?


    Ji Tingyang scoffed lightly, pulling Wen Li to his side, ¡°Tell him, who am I?¡±


    Wen Li¡¯s heartbeat suddenly elerated, as if her heart was going to leap out of her throat. Facing Xiao Yu¡¯s gaze, she stammered nervously, ¡°He, he is a friend¡­¡±


    As soon as she said that, she felt the coldness radiating from Ji Tingyang intensify, the grip on her wrist tightening as if he intended to twist her wrist off.


    ¡°A friend?¡± Ji Tingyang eyed Wen Li¡¯s tense cheeks, his voice lowering mockingly at her ear, ¡°Do you want to tell him that for the past two years you¡¯ve been living at the house of this ¡®friend¡¯?¡±


    Wen Li turned pale, pleading softly, ¡°Please, don¡¯t tell him¡­¡±


    A sneer curled at Ji Tingyang¡¯s lips, his eyes growing darker and more ominous.


    Xiao Yu, oblivious to the storm brewing between them, raised a smile and reached out to Ji Tingyang, ¡°Hello, I am Wen Li¡¯s boyfriend, Xiao Yu.¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression darkened, ring at the extended hand without moving.


    Xiao Yu awkwardly retracted his hand.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Knowing she couldn¡¯t persuade Ji Tingyang, Wen Li thought about how to get Xiao Yu to leave first, her anxiety causing her to break into a cold sweat.


    Just as Xiao Yu¡¯s expression gradually turned puzzled, a clear, infuriated voice resounded from behind her.


    ¡°Ji Tingyang! I asked you to pay the bill, howe you vanished in the blink of an eye! If you don¡¯t like shopping with me, then I won¡¯t ask you again!¡±


    The person stormed up to Ji Tingyang, angrily stuffing the bags she carried into his arms.


    The load was so heavy that Ji Tingyang had to let go of the hand he was tightly holding onto Wen Li to embrace it all.


    The menacing aura around him alsopletely withdrew, as if the chilling atmosphere just before had been just Wen Li¡¯s misconception.


    ¡°I was justing to say hello,¡± Ji Tingyang said obediently.


    Upon hearing this, the neer finally noticed Wen Li standing there, her tone slightly surprised, ¡°Wen Li?¡±


    Wen Li pursed her lips, ¡°Miss Lin.¡±


    Seeing Ji Tingyang subdue his aura, she knew the neer must be Lin Xu; it was no wonder Ji Tingyang appeared at the mall.


    Only she could make Ji Tingyang so docile and patient while shopping with a woman.


    Lin Xu greeted her, and when she saw the guy standing next to Wen Li, she raised an eyebrow.


    Xiao Yu noticed Lin Xu¡¯s gaze, introducing once again, ¡°Hello, I am Wen Li¡¯s boyfriend, Xiao Yu.¡±


    Boyfriend?


    Is that the male lead of the novel?!


    Lin Xu remembered because her antagonist son held a grudge against Wen Li¡¯s beloved male lead, he used many overt and covert ways to deal with him.


    As a result, the male lead had suffered a lot initially, and his feelings for Wen Li deepened. Later, he started apany from scratch, and within less than two years, he entered the top five national enterprises.


    As the saying goes, a gentleman¡¯s revenge is not toote even after ten years.


    Once he had both money and power, the male lead immediately started to suppress Ji Group. However, the antagonist couldn¡¯t defeat the male lead and was doomed to fail.


    Eventually, Ji¡¯s went bankrupt, and Ji Tingyang was also thrown into jail, ending his short life.


    Now, seeing Xiao Yu and Ji Tingyang standing together, Lin Xu instantly became alert.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry, take me out to eat,¡± Lin Xu said to Ji Tingyang.


    She feared Ji Tingyang, in a fit of anger, might mock and suppress Xiao Yu, intending to separate the two.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Ji Tingyang nced at Wen Li, hesitating for a moment.


    ¡°You just ran off to pay the bill, and now you don¡¯t want to take me out to eat. If you don¡¯te now, I will never go shopping with you again, and take your stinking card back!¡± Lin Xu spoke petntly, turning around to leave.


    Ji Tingyang became scared, didn¡¯t dare to dy, and immediately followed, ¡°Without my card, how will you shop?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go out and earn money myself!¡±


    ¡°Working is very tough, earning money at home alone is enough.¡±


    ¡°Pfft¡­¡±


    The two of them walked farther and farther away, Wen Li¡¯s body, which had been tense all this time, finally rxed, and she sighed with relief.


    Xiao Yu nced at Ji Tingyang¡¯s retreating figure and mentioned casually, ¡°When he heard I¡¯m your boyfriend, that man¡¯s face changed.¡±


    ¡°How is that possible¡­¡± Wen Li¡¯s heart skipped a beat, tension rising again, ¡°You didn¡¯t see the woman who just came by; she definitely has a girlfriend, don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡±


    Xiao Yu thought for a moment, then agreed.


    That man still needed to earn money to spend on her, other than a girlfriend who else could he pamper that way.


    ¡°I thought too much,¡± Xiao Yu said apologetically, ¡°Do you still want ice cream? I¡¯ll go buy it for you.¡±


    Wen Li shook her head, no longer having an appetite.


    ¡°Then where else do you want to go, shall we continue walking around?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just sit here for a while,¡± as Wen Li took her phone out and answered while powering it on.


    After seeing the message, her voice suddenly stopped, and after a long pause, she said, ¡°I suddenly have something to take care of, I need to go home first.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll take you,¡± Xiao Yu stood up.


    ¡°No need! I can go back by myself!¡± Wen Li refused, seeming very anxious as she walked towards the exit of the mall.


    Xiao Yu didn¡¯t even have the chance to say goodbye.


    Once in the taxi, Wen Li looked at the text message on her phone again; it was from Ji Tingyang.


    [If you¡¯re not back at the vi in half an hour, you will bear the consequences.]


    Wen Li¡¯s hand holding the phone trembled slightly; she just knew Ji Tingyang wouldn¡¯t let her go easily.


    She clenched her hand beside her, and suddenly remembered what Xu Wei had said to her.


    If Ji¡¯s project data is leaked, Ji¡¯s will suffer a major blow, and Ji Tingyang, troubled by thepany, will no longer have the ability to trap her.


    With this thought, it seemed like a chord in her heart was plucked.

 Chapter 31 - 31 "If it weren’t for the fact that no one else wanted it, it wouldn’t have come to me.

    Chapter 31: Chapter 31 ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the fact that no one else wanted it, it wouldn¡¯t havee to me.


    Ji Tingyang had been overburdened with work recently, and after busying himself all morning, he had not even taken his lunch break before Lin Xu called him to the mall to pay the bill.


    Lin Xu had her own bank card and could easily pay with a swipe. The only reason she would ask him toe over was as an excuse to use him for grunt work.


    Knowing this, Ji Tingyang still resigned himself to going, following behind Lin Xu carrying her bags, andplimenting her on how good they looked.


    What he hadn¡¯t anticipated was running into Wen Li at the mall.


    When he saw her with Xiao Yu, he felt a moment of panic, as if the warmth that belonged to him would be snatched away. By the time he regained hisposure, he had already approached them, fuming with anger.


    It was only when Lin Xu appeared that he came back to his senses.


    Upon looking at Xiao Yu again, Ji Tingyang¡¯s intense emotions had subsided. Dismissing the thought of embarrassing Xiao Yu on the spot, he left with Lin Xu.


    Initially, Wen Li felt relieved.


    If it were any other time, Ji Tingyang would have been seething with anger and would have added fuel to the fire, telling Xiao Yu all about their issues.


    But before she could fully rx, she received a threatening message from Ji Tingyang.


    It was also from that day on that Wen Li discovered she no longer had any freedom at school. Ji Tingyang took her ss schedule, and she was required to stay at the Ji Family home when she didn¡¯t have sses.


    Even if she stayed at school to do group work with ssmates for a day, Ji Tingyang would interrogate her, leaving Wen Li exhausted.


    Xu Wei saw all of this and was indignant on her behalf: ¡°Ji Tingyang is just too perverse, always meddling in whatever you do.¡±


    Wen Li wore a distressed expression.


    ¡°If you ask me, you should teach him a lesson and get back at him,¡± Xu Wei suggested.


    Lesson?


    Wen Li¡¯s thoughts drifted to the Ji¡¯s secret project files for a moment, but she quickly shook her head, casting the idea aside.


    When she returned to the vi at noon, Wen Li briefly acknowledged the butler¡¯s greeting and headed straight for the second floor.


    She disliked facing anyone from the Ji Family, so she normally hid in her room and preferred not toe out.


    Just as she reached the second floor, Wen Li¡¯s peripheral vision caught sight of the study¡¯s door, causing her steps, which were initially headed for the bedroom, to halt.


    Ji Tingyang was at thepany now, and neither the butler nor the housemaid would enter the study¡­


    Wen Li¡¯s heart tightened, and with a shift in her steps, she found herself heading toward the study.


    The study¡¯s door was unlocked, a simple twist and it opened.


    She tiptoed to the desk, where several documents she couldn¡¯t understandy scattered.


    She remembered Xu Wei saying the big project was about new energy.


    None of the documents on the table were about that.


    Wen Li pulled open the drawers and searched until she saw thest document, its name including the words ¡°new energy,¡± and felt a surge of joy.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    As Wen Li pulled out the document to check if it was the right one, a clear voice rang out.


    Her heart squeezed abruptly.


    She hurriedly stuffed the document back into the drawer and looked up to see that Lin Xu was standing in the doorway.


    Wen Li had forgotten that there was one other person in the Ji Family who coulde and go from the study as they pleased.


    ¡°I¡­I left a pen herest time and came to look for it,¡± Wen Li¡¯s voice quivered slightly.


    She grabbed a pen from the desk at random and raised it to show Lin Xu,


    as if to prove that she really had juste looking for a pen.


    Wen Li saw Lin Xu nod and utter ¡°Oh,¡± not sure if she believed her or not.


    ¡°Now that I¡¯ve found the pen, I¡¯ll be going back,¡± Wen Li didn¡¯t dare linger and hurriedly left the study.


    Lin Xu watched Wen Li¡¯s hurried departure, her gaze lingering deeply.


    She had passed by the study and heard movement inside, thinking Ji Tingyang might havee back suddenly for something. However, upon opening the door, to her surprise, she found Wen Li in there.


    She didn¡¯t know what she was looking for, but she was searching so seriously that she didn¡¯t even notice when the door opened.


    It wasn¡¯t until Wen Li picked up a document and was about to take a photo with her phone that Lin Xu spoke up and called her.


    But her lying skills really were quite poor.


    Lin Xu chided inwardly as she walked over to the desk, opened the drawer that Wen Li had touched, and saw the document lying on top.


    New energy?


    She flipped through it but couldn¡¯t understand anything, as it was filled with too much jargon.


    Lin Xu snapped a photo and sent it to Ji Tingyang, and a secondter, she received a question mark from him.


    Willow Wadding: [Fast reply, obviously cking off at work and ying with your phone, caught you, didn¡¯t I!]


    Ji Tingyang suddenly thought of those parents who conducted sting operations to test if their children were ying with phones in ss by sending messages and waiting to see if they would reply immediately.


    Sometimes a ssmate would fall for it, get beaten when they got home, and then wail in ss for half the day over their confiscated phone.


    Such messages were quite popr at the time, and Ji Tingyang had participated in them too. He opened the chat and proactively sent her a message.


    He hoped the person on the other end would jump out and scold him for ying with his phone during ss instead of studying.


    But no matter how long he waited, he never got that response.


    Now that he was grown up, he had forgotten about that little fishing game, but when he saw the message, he still felt a bit dazed.


    Ji Tingyang smiled helplessly, thinking Lin Xu was ying that game, but soon he received her next message.


    Willow Wadding: [What is this document about, is it important?]


    JTY: [Yeah, it¡¯s the big project thepany has recently started, confidential files.]


    Seeing the word ¡°confidential,¡± Lin Xu¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Willow Wadding: [For such an important secret, how could you carelessly leave it in the study! Aren¡¯t you afraid it will be stolen!]


    JTY: [No one in the house would dare to touch it.]


    Willow Wadding: [Well, I¡¯m touching it now.]


    JTY: [You don¡¯t count.]


    Lin Xu clicked her tongue. If he was this smooth when chasing girls, he might already have kids, and she might already be able to call herself a grandmother.


    Lin Xu told him that she would first take the document back to her bedroom and hide it.


    She still remembered that in the end, Wen Li teamed up with the male protagonist from the novel to take down the Ji Group.


    Perhaps that involved stealing thepany¡¯s confidential documents.


    She couldn¡¯t give Wen Li any chance.


    ¡ª¡ª


    After being on high alert at home for several days, Lin Xu suddenly received news that Ji Tingyang wanted to take her to a banquet.


    Seeing Lin Xu¡¯s surprised look, Ji Tingyang exined, ¡°It¡¯s the 80th birthday banquet of the old man from the Xie Family, and they said attendees must bring a femalepanion.¡±


    This was the first time she had heard that a birthday banquet required bringing a femalepanion, leaving Lin Xu speechless.


    ¡°The Xie Family, aren¡¯t they our Ji Family¡¯spetitors? Should we even be associating with them?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Although we¡¯repetitors, we are all in the same circle, so we need to maintain a facade,¡± Ji Tingyang said.


    Understood.


    Lin Xu nodded, then voiced her final doubt: ¡°Are you sure you want to bring me and not Wen Li?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want to go.¡±


    ¡°I knew it, if it weren¡¯t for the fact that no one else wanted to, it wouldn¡¯t be me,¡± Lin Xu whimpered.


    Ji Tingyang: ¡°¡­¡±

 Chapter 32 - 32 He must be sick

    Chapter 32: Chapter 32 He must be sick


    The Xie family was a prominent and wealthy n, whereas the Ji family could stillpete with them twenty years ago.


    However, after Lin Xu and her husband passed away, the Ji family¡¯s fortunes declined considerably. Despite Ji Tingyang¡¯s subsequent efforts to turn the tide and pull the Ji family back up, they still ranked lower than the Xie family.


    So even if Ji Tingyang was unwilling, he had no choice but to save face for the Xie family by attending the birthday banquet.


    This birthday banquet was attended by many people, all of whom were distinguished figures frequently mentioned in the financial newspapers.


    Lin Xu wore a shoulder-baring champagne-colored evening dress, its form-fitting design highlighting her perfect figure. The flowing hem of the gown swished with her every step. The ne embedded with gems and the exquisite bracelet entuated her elegance and nobility to their fullest extent.


    Having apanied her husband to many such banquets before, Lin Xu¡¯s demeanor was dignified andposed.


    No sooner had she made her entrance with Ji Tingyang than she attracted the attention of many at the venue, a hint of amazement flickering at the bottom of their gaze.


    When they saw who apanied Lin Xu, surprise immediately registered on their faces.


    Despite attending numerous banquets in the past, Ji Tingyang had never been seen with a femalepanion by his side. It was widely said to be because Young Master Ji was deeply devoted.


    Apart from the canary at home, no other woman seemed able toe close to Ji Tingyang.


    Today¡¯s anomalous appearance sparked spection¡ªcould thisdy be the canary he had kept hidden at home?


    This woman¡¯s beauty was stunning; no wonder Ji Tingyang was reluctant to bring her out in public.


    In an instant, various thoughts swirled through the minds of the onlookers.


    Many came over to greet Ji Tingyang, their nces and conversations awkwardly shifting towards Lin Xu.


    However, Ji Tingyang remained unmoved, showing no intention of introducing Lin Xu to them.


    They could only leave after a while.


    As the number of guests increased, Ji Tingyang had to socialize, exchanging a few polite words.


    ¡°You sit here for a while; I¡¯ll go greet a few people and thene back,¡± Ji Tingyang told Lin Xu as he led her to a sofa in the rest area.


    After taking a few steps, he turned back, as if concerned, and cautioned her, ¡°If someone elsees to talk to you, don¡¯t pay them any mind.¡±


    Lin Xu couldn¡¯t help butugh and cry, ¡°I¡¯m not a three-year-old child, just go.¡±


    Still worried, Ji Tingyang frequently nced back at Lin Xu to ensure her safety even while conversing with others not far away.


    As it turned out, Ji Tingyang¡¯s concerns were justified.


    He had only been away for a short while when a man approached Lin Xu to strike up a conversation.


    ¡°Miss, are you alone?¡±


    Lin Xu: ¡°No, I came with Ji Tingyang.¡±


    Upon hearing Ji Tingyang¡¯s name, the man¡¯s mind conjured an image of his somber and intimidating demeanor, and, frightened, he turned and left.


    He was mad; it was better not to provoke him.


    However, the second man who came to chat up Lin Xu clearly wasn¡¯t afraid of Ji Tingyang and was particrly nosy, inching closer to her.


    ¡°So you¡¯re the woman Ji Tingyang treasures at home, huh?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Lin Xu frowned, shifting to the side to put some distance between them.


    ¡°If not, how abouting with me?¡± the man said, moving closer to Lin Xu and attempting to reach out to wrap his arm around her waist. ¡°Ji Tingyang¡¯s always so cold and intimidating. It must be scary, right? Leave him ande with me, I promise to treat you well¡ª¡± His hand hadn¡¯t yet touched her body when it was seized by a strong and firm grip.


    ¡°Sorry, Young Master Zhang, but thisdy has already agreed to apany me. You¡¯ll have to get in line behind me,¡± said a voice.


    Lin Xu turned to look.


    She saw Ji Zeqiu wearing a smart ck suit, a faint smile ying on his lips, a look of gentle amusement in his eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s this, Ji the superstar is interested too? How about we share?¡± The man¡¯s gaze shifted between Lin Xu and Ji Zeqiu, his intentions clearly malicious.


    That look was nauseating.


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s smile remained unchanged as he leaned forward and whispered in the man¡¯s ear, ¡°It¡¯s not important whether I¡¯m interested or not. What¡¯s important is I wonder if Mrs. Zhang would be interested in knowing about Young Master Zhang¡¯s pampering of a beauty outside.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± the man gritted his teeth, ¡°Are you threatening me?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±


    ¡°You just remember this!¡± the man red at Ji Zeqiu with a dark look, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.


    The smile on Ji Zeqiu¡¯s face faded, and just as he was about to coldly mock Lin Xu, he saw her looking at him with a beaming smile.


    ¡°Thank you, it¡¯s good you came. Otherwise, who knows how long that man would have pestered me.¡±


    Hearing the relieved tone in her voice, Ji Zeqiu snorted, ¡°How do you know I didn¡¯te to pester you?¡±


    ¡°Oh? So you¡¯re going to pester me?¡± Lin Xu appeared surprised.


    Ji Zeqiu choked.


    This woman didn¡¯t have even half the gentleness and consideration of Wen Li, so how could he possibly pester her!


    Lin Xu smiled and dropped the joking, asking him, ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°I work at Xie¡¯s. Is it strange for me to appear here?¡± Ji Zeqiu said.


    That¡¯s right.


    Only then did Lin Xu remember that Ji Zeqiu made his debut at apanypeting with Ji¡¯s, and as a big star cultivated by the Xie Family, it wasn¡¯t strange for him to attend the Xie Family¡¯s birthday banquet.


    Not just Ji Zeqiu, but other top artists under Xie¡¯s were also present; however, Lin Xu¡¯s attention to the entertainment circle was limited to Ji Zeqiu only, and she couldn¡¯t recognize anyone else.


    ¡°As for you,¡± Ji Zeqiu snorted, ¡°Ji Tingyang is quite bold to leave you alone here. He must be really confident.¡±


    With so many people at the party, it was a mix of good and bad; if she got schemed against by any man, it would be terrible.


    ¡°Oh, he¡¯s concerned. Look, there hees,¡± Lin Xu pointed to a spot not far away.


    Ji Zeqiu looked over and indeed saw Ji Tingyang quickly walking towards them.


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s eyes shifted, and suddenly, a malicious smile appeared on his lips. He reached out, wrapped his arm around Lin Xu¡¯s waist, and pulled her into his embrace with an intimate gesture.


    He whispered in Lin Xu¡¯s ear, ¡°Tell me, if Ji Tingyang sees the two of us this close, do you think he¡¯ll go crazy on the spot?¡±


    In the past, when Wen Li spoke to him, Ji Tingyang would go crazy and disturb the peace of the entire Ji Family.


    And now, with Lin Xu in ce of Wen Li, would he go crazy enough to ruin the entire Xie Family¡¯s birthday party and be theughingstock of everyone there?


    Suddenly, he was somewhat looking forward to it.


    Lin Xu: ¡°¡­¡±


    Could he be sick?


    In the midst of speaking, Ji Tingyang had already approached them, his brows furrowing at the sight of Ji Zeqiu¡¯s actions.


    ¡°Let go of her. Can¡¯t you stand on your own? Holding her like that, how does it look?¡± Ji Tingyang said sternly.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let go. What can you do about it?¡± Ji Zeqiu intensified his grip, pulling Lin Xu even tighter into his arms, taunting in a very childish manner.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Just as Ji Tingyang was about to speak, he heard someone calling him over.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It was the president of another coborating firm.


    Unable to refuse and yet not feeling reassured to leave Lin Xu alone, he could only say to Ji Zeqiu, ¡°I¡¯ll go there for a moment. Take good care of her.¡±


    Ji Zeqiu watched Ji Tingyang¡¯s retreating figure, dumbstruck.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t he angry, why doesn¡¯t he freak out? Can¡¯t he see that I have ill intentions towards you, and he still dares to ask me to protect you?!¡±

 Chapter 33 - 33 "I think I saw your dad.

    Chapter 33: Chapter 33 ¡°I think I saw your dad.


    Lin Xu was forcefully pressed into Ji Zeqiu¡¯s embrace, struggling to breathe, and twisted a handful of flesh around his waist.


    Ji Zeqiu released Lin Xu only when the pain hit him.


    Deprived of oxygen, Lin Xu¡¯s face flushed as she red at Ji Zeqiu, ¡°Are you being childish?¡±


    She wanted to deliberately make Ji Tingyang angry.


    ¡°I do what I want,¡± Ji Zeqiu straightened out the wrinkles on his clothes, dissatisfied that he hadn¡¯t managed to provoke Ji Tingyang. ¡°Seeing me with you, Ji Tingyang didn¡¯t react at all. He even dared to leave you with me. Seems like he doesn¡¯t like you that much.¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because you¡¯re just a brat, not at all threatening,¡± Lin Xu casually remarked.


    In her eyes, Ji Zeqiu was nothing but a child.


    ¡°A brat? Not at all threatening?¡± Ji Zeqiuughed out of exasperation, ¡°Do you know that for the past two years, I¡¯ve been voted the number one boyfriend to date on the women¡¯s magazine rankings?!¡±


    Which woman wouldn¡¯t be head over heels for him? And she said he¡¯s not a threat?!


    She must be blind!


    Lin Xu looked at him with a faint gaze, ¡°¡­In my view, only a brat would argue over such a thing, wouldn¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Ji Zeqiu wanted to retort, but that would only prove her point even more.


    Biting back his anger, he swallowed his words and showed his mature side, magnanimously saying, ¡°I am magnanimous enough to forgive your poor judgment.¡±


    Lin Xu smiled.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    On TV, she always saw Ji Zeqiu with a gentle and simple demeanor, but in private, he was theplete opposite.


    Once again, she sighed, realizing that the personas celebrities present on screen are deceiving.


    ¡°Are you hungry? Do you want to go grab something to eat?¡± Lin Xu pointed to the tableden with desserts.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°There are your favorite small cakes.¡±


    Lin Xu remembered, when she took little Zeqiu out, and they passed by a pastry shop, he would always drag her in to buy a small cake to take home.


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s face suddenly turned red, ¡°Who¡­ who told you I like small cakes?! That¡¯s what little girls like; I don¡¯t like them at all!¡±


    ¡°Okay, you don¡¯t like them. It¡¯s me who wants to eat, can you apany me over?¡± Lin Xu said.


    ¡°Well, alright then,¡± Ji Zeqiu agreed reluctantly.


    Lin Xu hadn¡¯t eaten much for dinner and felt quite digested by now. She walked over and chose a few small bread rolls to fill her stomach.


    From the corner of her eye, she saw Ji Zeqiu ncing stealthily at the small cakes and chuckled silently.


    She thought his tastes had changed as he grew up, but it seemed he still liked them.


    ¡°Do you want to have one?¡± Lin Xu offered him the one with the most cream.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t like them,¡± Ji Zeqiu refused quickly, his expression bing conflicted a momentter, ¡°But if you insist on me eating, I¡¯ll have one just to please you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t say I insisted. It¡¯s too painful to make someone eat what they dislike; I wouldn¡¯t do that, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    As if to prove she wouldn¡¯t force him, Lin Xu took a bite of the creamy small cake.


    This made Ji Zeqiu even more irritated.


    This woman!


    Not gentle or considerate at all; what on earth did Ji Tingyang like about her!


    ¡°You¡­¡± he began furiously, but before he could speak, a small cake was stuffed into his mouth, the taste of cream filling his senses.


    ¡°There, there, just eat it,¡± Lin Xu looked at him with a beaming smile.


    Looking at the appeasing smile on her cheeks, most of Ji Zeqiu¡¯s anger dissipated. He took the small cake from Lin Xu¡¯s hand and started eating it, not forgetting to threaten her.


    ¡°If you dare tell anyone about this, you¡¯re dead meat!¡±


    After turning twelve, in an effort to show his manliness, he had resisted and never eaten a small cake again.


    A grown man who actually likes to eat cream cake, if others knew, they¡¯d definitely mock him.


    Especially Ji Tingyang!


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t tell anyone.¡± Lin Xu assured him.


    Ji Zeqiu snorted and turned his head away.


    Well, this woman did have a tiny bit, an almost negligible amount of consideration.


    Once he had calmed down, Ji Zeqiu brought up the old topic again, ¡°What about that thing I asked youst time? How have you considered it?¡±


    ¡°Huh? What thing?¡± Lin Xu puzzled.


    ¡°The matter of leaving Ji Tingyang anding with me!¡± Ji Zeqiu¡¯s temper rose again.


    Had she even taken his words to heart at all?


    iming she didn¡¯t care about him, yet she sent a long list of caring messages to the agent every day; iming she did care, yet she was so cold when they met, showing no intention of ying up to him at all.


    ¡°Oh, that.¡± Lin Xu suddenly realized, then refused, ¡°That won¡¯t do.¡±


    With Ji Tingyang¡¯s temperament, who knew what madness would ensue if she wasn¡¯t at home to manage things.


    Ji Zeqiu wasn¡¯t surprised, just somewhat disheartened.


    Where exactly did he fall shortpared to Ji Tingyang? Last time, Wen Li even left the Ji Family with him, but in the end, she ran back. He had been unable to leave the film crew at the time and could only watch helplessly as she went back.


    And now, even Lin Xu was rejecting him.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t youe back to the Ji Family? That way, I won¡¯t have to leave, and you could live with me as well. How nice that would be.¡± Lin Xu suggested.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not go back.¡± Ji Zeqiu said coldly.


    Lin Xu wanted to persuade him further when she heard an even colder voice from behind, ¡°Even better that he doesn¡¯te back, so Aunt Zhang won¡¯t have to cook an extra portion of food, saving her the trouble.¡±


    Lin Xu turned her head and saw that Ji Tingyang had finished talking with the partners and hade back.


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s expression was indifferent, ¡°Then you should fast, Aunt Zhang would have an even easier time.¡±


    Ji Tingyang red at him, ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not a celebrity who needs to fast all day, getting as skinny as a monkey¡¯s kin.¡±


    Ji Zeqiu cursed, irritated, ¡°Do you know nothing about being ¡®thin in clothes, good in flesh¡¯?¡±


    The moment the two brothers met, the air was filled with gunpowder.


    Lin Xu¡¯s head was spinning, and she mentally sighed, interrupting the two who were about to continue arguing.


    ¡°I¡¯m a bit thirsty, Tingyang, could you get me a ss of champagne?¡±


    The argument halted abruptly, and Ji Tingyang left. In no time, he returned with a ss of water.


    ¡°Drinking alcohol is bad for your health, just have some water.¡± Very considerate.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Lin Xu epted the water.


    It didn¡¯t matter what she drank, as long as the two of them stopped arguing.


    Ji Zeqiu snatched away the water and handed Lin Xu a cup of coffee, ¡°Only a straight man would make someone drink in water, have mine instead.¡±


    Ji Tingyang took back the coffee, scornfully saying, ¡°Drinking coffeete at night, do you want her to have insomnia?¡±


    The two stood their ground, both turning to look at Lin Xu.


    ¡°You tell us, do you want water or coffee?!¡±


    Lin Xu: ¡°¡­¡±


    It seemed like whichever choice she made would lead to a storm of trouble.


    Feeling emotionally drained, Lin Xu¡¯s gaze drifted into the distance, her eyes catching a glimpse of someone in the crowd, and she suddenly froze.


    A familiar face passed fleetingly through the crowd.


    After a long moment, she snapped back to reality and said nkly, ¡°I think I just saw your dad¡­¡±

 Chapter 34 - 34 "Why does it feel like picking cabbages?

    Chapter 34: Chapter 34 ¡°Why does it feel like picking cabbages?


    Lin Xu wove through the crowd at the birthday banquet for a long time but couldn¡¯t find that person, as if the glimpse she caught was just her imagination.


    Her beautiful face was tinged with a trace of anxiety, and her upturned hair became somewhat disheveled; she stood there helplessly, her disorientation breeding a sense of destion.


    The people nearby couldn¡¯t help but cast sympathetic nces, and some even took steps forward, considering offering her a few words offort.


    The next second, Ji Tingyang rushed over and led her away.


    ¡°Tingyang, did you find your dad?¡± Lin Xu asked impatiently as soon as Ji Tingyang had brought her to the lounge.


    ¡°No,¡± he shook his head.


    After speaking to her father, Lin Xu rushed out, desperately searching through the banquet hall.


    Ji Tingyang also tried to look for him, but he had almost upturned the entire venue without finding anyone.


    Worried about Lin Xu, he returned.


    Thankfully he did.


    ¡°Maybe we missed something; should we check the surveince?¡± Lin Xu¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Right, let¡¯s go check the surveince now!¡±


    She abruptly stood up, her vision suddenly going blurry, and her body swayed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it, you just rest here a bit,¡± Ji Tingyang quickly pressed her back onto the sofa.


    He was somewhat concerned about her mental state.


    ¡°Okay, then you go quickly. I¡¯ll be fine here by myself,¡± Lin Xu urged.


    Ji Tingyang hesitated.


    He originally wanted to tell her she might have been mistaken; if that person really were his father, why hadn¡¯t hee to find them?


    Even if he didn¡¯t know how to contact them, Ji¡¯s was so prominent, and the Ji Mansion¡¯s address hadn¡¯t changed¡ªif he had been reborn, he would havee looking long ago.


    Moreover, with the world being so vast, it wasn¡¯t strange for people to resemble one another, so there was a strong chance that Lin Xu had mistaken someone else for her father this time.


    But, seeing Lin Xu¡¯s expectant eyes, he didn¡¯t dare voice his guess, only telling her to call him if anything happened before going to check the surveince as she wished.


    Two or three hours passed.


    Lin Xu was burning with impatience, one moment sending Ji Tingyang a message asking if there was any progress, the next pacing back and forth anxiously in the lounge.


    Upon seeing Ji Tingyang, she immediately rushed over to inquire, ¡°How did it go? Did you find him?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Ji Tingyang shook his head.


    ¡°Then, is it possible that he was in a blind spot of the cameras, so we missed him?¡± Lin Xu clutched his arm desperately, saying, ¡°Never mind, let¡¯s not just focus on the banquet hall, let¡¯s look outside too!¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay, we¡¯ll look slowly, don¡¯t worry,¡± Ji Tingyang soothed her.


    Just as the banquet came to an end, he escorted Lin Xu back to the Ji Family.


    In the second-floor drawing room.


    An elderly man sat in the seat of honor, clearly the center of the birthday festivities, his solemn aura permeating the room without a trace of a smile on his face.


    ¡°Changyan, with so many women here tonight, did you fancy any?¡± he said, turning his gaze to another man in the drawing room, his voice stern.


    Xie Changyan lowered his eyes, toying with the teacup in his hands, a slight smile on his lips, ¡°Grandpa, you make it sound as if you¡¯re picking cabbages, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you be smart with me, you¡¯re not getting any younger. Do you n to be a bachelor all your life?¡± Xie Mingwang reprimanded sharply, ¡°Your task right now is to get married and have children before I die!¡±


    His grandson was already thirty years old and still on his own. If he continued to be a bachelor for the rest of his life, what face would he have to meet his deceased son and daughter-inw in the afterlife?


    For this asion, he even threw a grand birthday feast and specially invited many industry insiders to attend, with each male guest instructed to bring a femalepanion.


    It was done so that he could pick someone he liked, but who would have known that this defiant grandson wouldn¡¯t take a fancy to anyone.


    Continuing to be this picky, by the time he died, he wouldn¡¯t have picked out a single one.


    ¡°Your standards shouldn¡¯t be so high,¡± Xie Mingwang wanted to persuade him further, only to hear hisughter.


    ¡°Just being a woman is okay?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Xie Mingwang was about to agree, but then he thought what if he brought back someone of ill repute, so he quickly added, ¡°At least she must be of good character.¡±


    Laughter spilled from Xie Changyan¡¯s throat as he put down his ss and stood up, ¡°Alright, Grandpa, I have my own judgment. The party has been over for so long, let¡¯s go home.¡±


    After Xie Mingwang got into the car, Xie Changyan walked around to the driver¡¯s seat. Just as he was about to get in, the manager in charge of the banquet venue rushed over.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ¡°President Xie.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°The president of Ji Group would like to copy a portion of the surveince footage from tonight¡¯s banquet. I wonder if it¡¯s convenient for you?¡±


    ¡°Ji¡¯s? Ji Tingyang?¡± Xie Changyan¡¯s eyebrows lifted slightly, having some recollection of the president of this rivalpany.


    A somewhat capable man, but not much more.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the manager exined, ¡°President Ji said he wanted to use the footage to find someone.¡±


    ¡°Then give it to him.¡± It was just surveince footage; there was nothing shameful about it.


    Xie Changyan didn¡¯t dwell on it, spoke his piece, and drove off.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Lin Xu couldn¡¯t let go of the matter and had Ji Tingyang bring back the surveince tape for her to review, second by second, in meticulous detail.


    She watched the surveince video for two days before finally admitting to herself that she had simply seen things wrong that day.


    Throughout those two days, Lin Xu felt downcast. Knowing she was in low spirits, Ji Tingyang apanied her on a shopping spree, swiping his cards, and even brought home barbecue for her to enjoy, focusing on doing what he could.


    He was wondering what else he could do to cheer her up.


    But by the third day, Lin Xu had already bounced back, brimming with energy as she made her appearance in the living room.


    ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re okay now?¡± Ji Tingyang asked, worry evident in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, I¡¯vee to understand that we can¡¯t keep looking back, we have to focus on the present.¡± Lin Xu quickly finished her breakfast and stood up, urging Ji Tingyang, ¡°Hurry up and eat, then I¡¯ll take you to thepany.¡±


    ¡°I had already made arrangements to pick you up and drop you off from work, and I haven¡¯t been able to follow through these past few days; you must be disappointed.¡±


    ¡°Zeqiu used to nag me about this all the time.¡±


    She clearly remembered the time she had promised Xiao Zeqiu she would pick him up from kindergarten, but that day she got tied up with things and forgot, eventually resulting in the nanny bringing him home instead.


    The result was that Xiao Zeqiu, who was usually very clingy, became sullen and didn¡¯t want her to apany him to sleep for several nights.


    Though going to school and work were not the same, a promise made should be kept; that¡¯s how to set a proper example for a child.


    Ji Tingyang also remembered this incident; although he was young at the time, memories of happy moments were deeply ingrained.


    He never missed an opportunity to tease Ji Zeqiu, ¡°I¡¯m definitely not the kind of whiny and noisy brat like Ji Zeqiu.¡±


    ¡°Right, right, our Tingyang is the best behaved~¡± Lin Xu said with augh as she vigorously ruffled his hair.


    Ji Tingyang grunted softly and quietly blushed.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 35 - 35 The Beauty Trap

    Chapter 35: Chapter 35 The Beauty Trap


    A month after school started, the students were greeted by their first long vacation, the National Day holiday.


    Before the vacation arrived, many ssmates discussed where to go, talking excitedly.


    ¡°Wen Li, where are you nning to go? Why don¡¯t we go to the neighboring province together?¡± Xu Wei handed her phone to Wen Li with the searched scenery on the screen, ¡°Look, the scenery of this mountain is so beautiful, and you can even camp at the summit to watch the sunrise!¡±


    Wen Li¡¯s eyes lit up at the photos, but that light quickly dimmed.


    She hesitated, ¡°I probably can¡¯t go¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, why not?¡±


    ¡°Ji Tingyang won¡¯t let me go.¡± She bit her lip.


    ¡°That¡¯s true, then let¡¯s forget about it.¡± Xu Wei also remembered and stopped discussing it with her, turning to talk with other ssmates.


    Wen Li vaguely heard someone say, ¡°Should we invite Wen Li?¡± but before her expectation could arise, she heard Xu Wei say, ¡°She can¡¯t go, don¡¯t ask her.¡±


    They responded with an ¡°Oh,¡± and after that, they seemed topletely forget about Wen Li, never mentioning her again.


    A feeling of being ignored and unable to control her own freedom arose from the depths of her heart. Wen Li clenched her fist, sharp fingernails digging into her palm, spreading pain through her hand.


    She bit her teeth, struggled for a moment, and then called out to Xu Wei.


    ¡°You¡­st time you said that leaking Ji¡¯s confidential documents could suppress Ji Tingyang, can it really¡­?¡±


    A shrewd light shed in Xu Wei¡¯s eyes, fleeting. She suppressed the excitement in her heart and pretended to recall hard, ¡°Oh yeah, it was something¡­ something new energy?¡±


    ¡°Confidential, it must be very difficult to get, right?¡± Wen Li said.


    Ever since she was caught sneaking into the studyst time, the door to the study started to be locked. Whenever she looked at the study a bit longer, Lin Xu would stare at her vigntly.


    She couldn¡¯t even enter the study, let alone steal documents.


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but¡­¡± Xu Wei whispered into her ear, ¡°If you use a little seduction, couldn¡¯t you get your hands on anything confidential.¡±


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Wen Li looked hesitant.


    ¡°Haha, I¡¯m just kidding. Just take it as a casual remark.¡± Xu Weiughed a few times and didn¡¯t continue the discussion on this topic, returning to talk about the vacation with a nearby ssmate.


    Wen Li also forced an awkwardugh.


    The National Day is observed domestically, but not abroad, so the international business departments still had to work overtime.


    As the president, Ji Tingyang also had to work overtime.


    However, since Lin Xu would pick him up from work, to avoid making her wait too long, Ji Tingyang would bring unfinished work home and continue in the study after dinner.


    That night, Wen Li went downstairs to get water and saw the light was still on in the study, her thoughts stirring slightly.


    Her steps carried her to the study door, where she knocked.


    ¡°Come in,¡± a deep voice came from inside.


    The door was pushed open.


    Ji Tingyang set down his pen, rubbed his tired nose, and looked up while saying offhandedly, ¡°It¡¯s still early, I¡¯ll continue¡­¡±


    His voice trailed off.


    When he worked overtime in the study, Lin Xu would oftene in to urge him to go back to his room to rest and would sometimes bring in some snacks.


    He had expected Lin Xu today, but unexpectedly, it was Wen Li, his expression one of startled surprise.


    ¡°Is there something you need?¡± Ji Tingyang asked.


    Meeting his gaze, Wen Li felt nervous, her voice tense, ¡°I¡­ I saw the light in the study was always on, so I came to check.¡±


    Her hand holding the cup tightened, as if mustering courage, ¡°Are you hungry, do you want to go down and eat something?¡±


    Ji Tingyang raised an eyebrow, somewhat amazed.


    Wen Li had always avoided him, and yet today she was actively showing concern for him, even inviting him to havete-night snacks together.


    Going a long time without a response, the courage that Wen Li had finally mustered up had all but vanished.


    ¡°Forget it, I¡¯m going back to my room,¡±


    She said and was about to turn around and leave.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Ji Tingyang hurriedly called after her, ¡°What would you like to eat?¡±


    Ji Tingyang felt this was a sign that Wen Li wanted to reconcile with him. If he missed this opportunity, their rtionship would never improve.


    His mother often said to seize the moment, and this time he had to grasp it well.


    As he asked, he had already walked up to Wen Li¡¯s side.


    ¡°Is barbecue okay?¡± Wen Li asked.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll ask Aunt Zhang to get it ready.¡±


    There were many kitchen utensils at home, and Aunt Zhang quickly prepared everything needed for the barbecue.


    The pork belly sizzled on the grill, releasing a fragrance that wafted through the air.


    ¡°Do you want to have some alcohol?¡± Wen Li said.


    Ji Tingyang didn¡¯t want to dampen her spirits, so he agreed.


    He found that Wen Li really did seem to want to make up with him. She even took the initiative to pour him drinks. Overwhelmed with happiness, he unconsciously drank one cup after another.


    The scene before his eyes began to blur.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s tolerance was good; he didn¡¯t be violent when drunk, but simply sat in silence, staring at Wen Li.


    The way Wen Li was being watched made her feel uneasy. She broached tentatively, ¡°Shall I take you back to your room to rest?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Ji Tingyang was very agreeable after drinking.


    Wen Li supported his arm, led him back to the bedroom to lie down, and covered him with the quilt.


    When she passed by the study again and saw the open door, she slipped in.


    The project document about the new energy was openly lying on the desk, seemingly the one Ji Tingyang had just been looking at and hadn¡¯t had time to put away.


    She took out her phone and photographed every page of the document. Then she returned everything to its original state and left the study.


    Back in the bedroom, Wen Li excitedly paced around a few times, amazed at how easy everything had been.


    Eager to share this thrilling feeling, she immediately made a call to Xu Wei.


    ¡°I got it!¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Xu Wei was confused.


    ¡°The confidential document you told me about, I got it!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Xu Wei was shocked, having not expected that Wen Li would actually seed.


    ¡°Should I send it to Xie Group¡¯s email right now?¡± Wen Li remembered that Xie¡¯s and Ji¡¯s were rivalpanies.


    ¡°Wait a minute, don¡¯t send it yet! That would expose you,¡± Xu Wei advised, ¡°I know someone, we can go through him¡­¡±


    ¡ª-


    The National Day holiday meant that everyone was happily ying, but returning to work afterwards brought just as much depression.


    Especially for the employees of Ji Group, who felt a heavy atmosphere spreading from the top down.


    Who could have imagined that right after the National Day holiday, thepany¡¯s major project would be snatched away by theirpetitor, Xie Group.


    They had invested a lot of effort in the project, even tightening the budget on other projects to ensure more funds were avable for this one.


    The exchange with the partner had gone smoothly, so who could have anticipated that just before signing the contract, the partner would change their mind and choose Xie Group instead.


    Ji Tingyang was furious at thepany, picking faults with everyone he met and deducting a lot of their bonuses.


    Within thepany, everyone felt at risk, and nobody dared to provoke further trouble.

 Chapter 36 - 36 Morbid Paranoia

    Chapter 36: Chapter 36 Morbid Paranoia


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lin Xu arrived at thepany just in time, outside the President¡¯s Office, to rescue a group of employees who didn¡¯t dare to go in and ask Ji Tingyang for signatures.


    ¡°Miss Lin, could you please take this document to President Ji for his signature?¡± the secretary first inquired tentatively.


    ¡°Ah, sure,¡± Lin Xu took it.


    ¡°Miss Lin, I also have a document here, could you please have President Ji sign this one too?¡± Then other employees followed suit.


    They didn¡¯t dare to just barge in, for fear of jeopardizing their meager bonuses.


    Lin Xu: ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°I have two documents here¡­¡±


    ¡°And I have this one here¡­¡±


    After epting all the documents, Lin Xu¡¯s hands were full with a big stack, so full that she couldn¡¯t even free a hand to open the door.


    The door was ultimately pushed open by the secretary, who quickly shut it the next second, as if afraid that the anger from within would spill out.


    Within the short ten-step walk, Lin Xu¡¯s arms were already aching, so she hurriedly went to the desk and put the documents down, gasping for breath, ¡°President Ji, please sign these documents.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know how to knock before entering? Who allowed you in? Go tell the finance department to dock your bonus for the month!¡±


    Ji Tingyang was fuming with anger, mming his pen down on the desk, creating a terrifyng ¡°bang.¡±


    As if that wasn¡¯t enough to vent his anger, he was preparing to scold her again, but when he looked up and saw Lin Xu¡¯s innocent face blinking back at him, his voice caught in his throat.


    ¡°Why are you here¡­¡± His anger mistakenly directed at the wrong person, Ji Tingyang felt somewhat helpless, his momentum somewhat deted, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be off work yet.¡±


    ¡°I calcted on my fingers that you¡¯d be in a bad mood today, so I came to see if I was right,¡± Lin Xu rested her chin on her hands and nodded at him, ¡°It seems I was pretty urate.¡±


    Ji Tingyang, resigned: ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were into fortune-telling.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot you don¡¯t know about me,¡± Lin Xu said mysteriously.


    Actually, she hade in early today, and while killing time downstairs, she overheard the employees discussing Ji Tingyang¡¯s outburst of anger. Fearing he would go crazy like he did at home, she thought ofing up to check on him.


    Lin Xu pulled a chair over to sit across from Ji Tingyang and massaged her sore arms.


    Ji Tingyang took her hand and started rubbing and pressing the flesh on her arms, his brows furrowed in concern: ¡°I pay them to work, and yet they expect you to deliver documents for them. It seems they don¡¯t want their jobs anymore.¡±


    Normally tired of carrying shopping bags, today she actually had to help them deliver documents.


    Ji Tingyang made a mental note to enforce a new rule in the future, prohibiting the transfer of documents through others.


    ¡°Then you might as well fire everyone in thepany,¡± Lin Xuughed.


    Ji Tingyang was frustrated.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Lin Xu withdrew her hand, then asked about the day¡¯s events, ¡°What happened to make you so angry?¡±


    ¡°Do you remember the document you asked aboutst time?¡± Ji Tingyang told her about the project that was snatched away.


    The head of the partneringpany told him that Xie¡¯s proposal was very simr to his but had been refined on his basis with a few more concessions.


    People always gravitate towards money, so the partneringpany refused Ji¡¯s and even insinuated to Ji Tingyang that there must be a mole within thepany.


    Upon hearing the term ¡°mole,¡± Lin Xu immediately thought of Wen Li.


    She had seen Wen Li sneaking around the studyst time, an action that aligned with the plot Lin Xu had seen.


    ¡°You also bring documents home to work on sometimes. Could someone from home have leaked the information?¡± Lin Xu ventured.


    ¡°That¡¯s unlikely. No one dares to go upstairs on normal days, and the butler has worked at the vi for eight or nine years. He wouldn¡¯t do such a thing,¡± Ji Tingyang dismissed the possibility.


    ¡°Wen Li¡­¡±


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t do it!¡± Ji Tingyang¡¯s volume surged suddenly, his emotions bing intense.


    Lin Xu jumped with fright. She looked at Ji Tingyang and saw that he was struggling to maintainposure, his clenched fists trembling slightly, his brows furrowed in pain, his forehead breaking out inrge beads of cold sweat.


    Something seemed off about his emotions.


    Lin Xu suddenly realized that Ji Tingyang¡¯s sickly obsession with Wen Li rendered him unable to doubt her, or perhaps he was afraid of getting hurt and therefore controlled himself from suspecting her.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s not her.¡± Lin Xu hurried over tofort him, trying to calm him down.


    ¡°Mom, it couldn¡¯t be her¡­¡± Ji Tingyang rested his head on her shoulder, his voice heavy.


    ¡°Yes, if you say it¡¯s not her, then it¡¯s not her.¡± Lin Xu patted his head. It seemed better not to mention it until she had substantial evidence.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, anyone who dares to bully my son, I won¡¯t let her get away with it!¡±


    A faintugh escaped Ji Tingyang¡¯s throat, realizing that it felt so good to be protected.


    ¡ª


    Due to the project being stolen, the other shareholders of Ji¡¯s were all making a fuss, and Ji Tingyang was so busy appeasing them that he hardly touched the ground.


    He didn¡¯t even have time to wait for Lin Xu to get up in the morning to send him to thepany and just drove off.


    Not to mention controlling Wen Li¡¯s freedom.


    Even though she had beening and going early andte these few days, Ji Tingyang was unaware and had no time to pay attention to her.


    Wen Li feltpletely free, body and mind. Perhaps, in time, she could even leave the Ji Family for good.


    With that thought in mind, her mood lifted, and her appetite improved, allowing her to eat a little more for breakfast.


    Lin Xu, sitting opposite her, put down her cutlery and said to the butler, ¡°Have the driver wait for me at the door.¡±


    ¡°Miss Lin, Young Master Ji has already gone to thepany.¡± The butler thought she didn¡¯t know, and kindly reminded her that there was no need to chauffeur Ji Tingyang today.


    ¡°I know, I¡¯m going to the Xie Group,¡± Lin Xu said.


    ¡°The Xie Group?¡± The butler was taken aback.


    ¡°One of Ji¡¯s projects was stolen, and Ji Tingyang suspects there might have been a leak. Just so happens I know a senior executive at Xie¡¯s who might do me a favor and tell me something,¡± Lin Xu exined.


    ¡°That would be great. Once we catch that scoundrel, we must punish them severely!¡± the butler said, excited.


    tter.


    The chopsticks in Wen Li¡¯s hand fell to the ground.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lin Xu looked at her.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s nothing, I just didn¡¯t grip them properly,¡± Wen Li¡¯s palms sweated as her heart raced with nervous palpitations.


    ¡°Oh, have the butler bring you a new pair, and make sure to hold them properly this time,¡± Lin Xu said with a slight smile.


    Wen Li couldn¡¯t help feeling uneasy about the meaningful smile on Lin Xu¡¯s face as she watched her leave.


    The Xie Group¡¯s building shot up from the ground, even the grand and imposing architectural style and quality at the lobby on the ground floor showcased thepany¡¯s mature and steady style.


    Truly befitting that of a grand family.


    As Lin Xu walked in, she sighed for a moment, remembering her mission. She came to her senses, took out her phone, and took a few pictures.


    Just then, a discreetly luxurious sedan stopped at the entrance of thepany.


    A handsome and poised figure stepped out of the car. The man was dressed in a tailored suit, his facial features sharp and deep, a carefree smile hanging from his lips as he walked inside.


    A beautiful figure suddenly burst into his peripheral vision.


    The man turned his head to look, his pupils slightly dted, his eyes as if veiled in mist, seeming to experience a sense of daze.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 37: Same City Express Delivery

    Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Same City Express Delivery


    Lin Xu was as radiant as the autumn moon, exceptionally beautiful, which often attracted male attention when she was out. She had been standing in the lobby of Xie¡¯s for a while when a man came over to express his concern.


    ¡°Miss, I see you¡¯ve been here for a few minutes, have you run into any trouble?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll leave in a moment,¡± Lin Xu said.


    ¡°Why not sit at the coffee shop across the street? I¡¯ll buy you a coffee, how does that sound?¡± the man suggested.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Lin Xu feigned difficulty, ¡°I¡¯d like to go, but I need to pick up my child from school soon.¡±


    Upon hearing this, the man immediately understood, ¡°Since you have matters to attend to, I won¡¯t disturb you any longer.¡±


    After saying that, he left with a look of regret on his face.


    This beautiful woman looked quite young; he hadn¡¯t expected her to be married with children so early.


    The sound here was not loud, but the handsome man at the entrance certainly heard it.


    ¡°President Xie, is there a problem?¡± Seeing the man stand still, the assistant beside him asked anxiously.


    Xie Changyan withdrew his gaze, ¡°No problem.¡±


    He continued walking inside and, just before stepping into the elevator, his peripheral vision nced at Lin Xu once more.


    The strange feeling in his chest had disappeared as if it had been just his imagination, and then he entered the elevator with a calm expression.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Lin Xu returned to the vi in the afternoon, and the butler excitedly approached her to ask, ¡°Miss Lin, have you found the person who leaked the information?¡±


    Wen Li had no sses today. Had it been a few days earlier, she would have gone out to meet Xiao Yu already. But thinking of Lin Xu¡¯s purpose for visiting Xie¡¯s that morning, she was too scared to think of going out.


    Hearing the butler¡¯s question, she suddenly became nervous and clenched her hands.


    ¡°When I got there, my friend was busy and hadn¡¯t found anything yet,¡± Lin Xu sighed regretfully.


    The butler also expressed regret, ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°But no worries, my friend told me that he will send me the person¡¯s information after he¡¯s free, probably in an hour or two,¡± Lin Xu said.


    Only then did the huge rock on Wen Li¡¯s chest begin to ease, yet the next second it was lifted to mid-air again, like a dagger hanging suspended, ready to drop and plunge into her heart at any moment.


    ¡°He should courier the information to the vi soon, so if you see a delivery personing, please make sure to receive it,¡± Lin Xu told the butler. ¡°I¡¯m a bit tired, I¡¯ll go to my room to rest.¡±


    The butler naturally agreed, dutifully saying, ¡°Miss Lin, rest assured, I will bring it up to you as soon as we receive the delivery.¡±


    Lin Xu nodded, yawning as she headed upstairs.


    As she passed by Wen Li, seeing her pale face, Lin Xu¡¯s eyes widened with exaggerated surprise and she asked with concern, ¡°You look very pale, what happened?¡±


    ¡°I, I¡­ just didn¡¯t sleep wellst night,¡± Wen Li, with a racing heart, struggled to keep her emotions steady.


    ¡°I see, then let¡¯s go upstairs and catch up on some sleep together?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not sleepy yet, I won¡¯t go to sleep now.¡± Wen Li forced a smile, politely declining her offer.


    She wanted to wait for the courier to arrive to see if there was any chance to switch the information.


    Lin Xu did not insist, smiled at her, and went upstairs.


    Whether it was because of a guilty conscience, Wen Li always felt there was a deeper meaning behind her smile, which made her feel uneasy.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    For a moment, only Wen Li and the butler were left in the living room.


    In the hot summer, the vi had the air conditioning on, keeping the temperature insidefortably cool.


    Yet even so, sweat began to bead on Wen Li¡¯s forehead.


    Every time there was any noise at the main gate, she broke out in more sweat, terrified that it might be the delivery person.


    ¡°Lady Wen, are you feeling unwell?¡± the butler, noticing her unusual behavior, asked with concern.


    ¡°I¡­ maybe.¡± Wen Li was about to deny it when she suddenly thought of something and changed her tone, ¡°I didn¡¯t eat much today and my stomach is a bit painful. Could you please make something to eat in the kitchen?¡±


    Aunt Zhang had gone out to buy groceries, so with Wen Li wanting something to eat, the butler had to go to the kitchen himself.


    ¡°But¡­ Miss Lin said the delivery person woulde byter, and I need to get the package,¡± the butler hesitated.


    ¡°If the delivery persones, I¡¯ll call you. My stomach really hurts too much, please,¡± Wen Li pleaded with moist eyes and a painful cold sweat on her forehead, which was heart-wrenching to see.


    Moved bypassion, the butler agreed.


    With only Wen Li left in the living room, she pondered hiding the materials first and then iming that the delivery person hadn¡¯te yet.


    As time ticked by, Wen Li grew more and more impatient, fearing that the delivery person would be slower than the butler making the meal.


    Finally, noise came from the iron gate outside the vi.


    The grating, irritating sound of rust at this moment seemed like heavenly music to Wen Li¡¯s ears; she quickly got up and walked toward the foyer, wanting to get the materials at the first opportunity.


    However, before she could open the door, it opened on its own.


    Upon seeing who entered, she froze for a moment.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s face also showed a hint of surprise as he hesitated, ¡°Were you waiting for me?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Wen Li restrained the panic on her face and smiled, ¡°You¡¯ve been very busy these past few days. I had the butler make some chicken soup to help nourish you.¡±


    Unexpectedly receiving her care, Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression mixed with astonishment and a hint of happiness.


    He smiled slightly, about to say something more, when his phone rang in his pocket.


    It was another annoying call from the shareholders.


    Ji Tingyang furrowed his brows and told Wen Li that he needed to take the call, then walked toward the backyard.


    Wen Li had not expected Ji Tingyang to return home unexpectedly early today, panicking herpletely.


    Fortunately, he went to the backyard to take the call, and once more, she was left alone in the living room.


    It seemed that whatever she feared would happen always did, and hardly had she rxed when the butler came out of the kitchen with the meal ready.


    ¡°Lady Wen, the meal is ready, and weren¡¯t you saying your stomach was hurting? Come and eat,¡± the butler called.


    The butler was really too kind-hearted, urging her several times, almost as if he woulde over to personally escort her to the dining table.


    ¡°¡­¡± With no other choice, Wen Li reluctantly went over.


    Her mind had never worked as quickly as it did at that moment, as she continuously thought of ways to send the butler away again.


    ¡°Hello, Same-City Express!¡± The doorbell rang.


    Before she could think of a n, the delivery arrived like a death knell.


    Watching the butler¡¯s silhouette move toward the door, Wen Li¡¯s face turned terrifyingly pale.


    It wasn¡¯t long before she saw the butler return with an A4-sized document envelope.


    He didn¡¯t take it to Lin Xu but instead went straight to the backyard to give it to Ji Tingyang.


    The butler thought, since this matter was so important, wasn¡¯t it better to directly hand it over to Ji Tingyang? Why bother going through Lin Xu andplicating things?


    Seeing Ji Tingyang take it, Wen Li abruptly stood up, her heart in turmoil. By the time she collected herself, she was already rushing toward the backyard.

 Chapter 38: This is the Warmth that Truly Belongs to Him

    Chapter 38: Chapter 38: This is the Warmth that Truly Belongs to Him


    Ji Tingyang was making a phone call in the backyard, his expression anxious, his long legs moving unconsciously around as he responded to the other party¡¯s questions.


    Unconsciously, he walked to the edge of the swimming pool, his deep ck eyes staring at the dark blue water in the pool. The irritation in his heart only increased, even feeling the urge to throw his phone in the water.


    It was at this moment that the butler walked in, excitedly handing him a document bag.


    It was said to be information about the leaker.


    Before he had a chance to ask where the information was from, the butler, seeming afraid of disturbing his phone call, left immediately after speaking.


    What a mess.


    Ji Tingyang took a deep breath out, massaging his throbbing temples, and did not take the document to heart, casually throwing it onto a small table by the pool.


    It was then that Wen Li ran in, she nced at the still unopened document bag, her mind full of ns on how to deceive Ji Tingyang away.


    ¡°The chicken soup is ready, why don¡¯t you go and have some,¡± Wen Li tugged at his shirt corner, speaking softly.


    Her gentle and considerate demeanor was what Ji Tingyang loved the most about her.


    The irritation dissipated somewhat, and Ji Tingyang did not want to disregard her rare kindness. He gave perfunctory replies to the shareholders and then hung up the call.


    Before going out, Ji Tingyang spotted the document bag on the small table, and remembering the matter said, ¡°The butler seemed to say it was some information. Let me take a look first.¡±


    He casually picked it up and tore the seal on the document bag.


    Instantly, Wen Li felt as if her body had plunged into an ice cer.


    For a few short seconds, time seemed to freeze, as painfully long as the moment before an execution.


    What was she to do?


    Rush over and tear up the document? Could she be faster than Ji Tingyang?


    Ssh water on it, the paper would easily tear and the text would blur¡­


    But where could she get water at hand?


    She felt as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, various thoughts shing through her mind.


    By the time she snapped out of it, her hands, beyond her control, had pushed the unsuspecting Ji Tingyang into the swimming pool, along with the document¡­


    Ah.


    The document would now be destroyed by the pool water.


    The merciless flow of water furiously entered Ji Tingyang¡¯s nose, ears, and eyes, engulfing his body, making breathing extremely difficult.


    He couldn¡¯t help coughing a few times as water poured into his lungs, as if someone were stabbing his organs, painfully curling up his body.


    He even forgot the instinct to swim.


    He squinted his eyes, and the scene above the water seemed fogged, dimly seeing Wen Li standing by the poolside, her face filled with terror.


    He distinctly felt a pair of hands push him down¡­


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As his consciousness gradually blurred, his mind shed through many memories.


    Was it because she hated him that she was so merciless?


    His parents had died early, and as the eldest brother, he was forced to take on a brotherly role at just seven years old.


    He was forced to mature early, recognizing the reality of human rtionships, living in rotation among rtives who despised them, with Zeqiu and his sister.


    He suppressed the pain in his heart and dared not show it in front of them. Until he met Wen Li, who made him feel a hint of warmth, reminding him of his gentle mother¡­


    Later, she met Xiao Yu and wanted to date him wholeheartedly, distancing herself from him.


    He feared even thisst bit of warmth he owned would be taken away, and frantically trapped her by his side, possessing the warmth on her that wasn¡¯t truly his own.


    Was he finally facing retribution now?


    Ji Tingyang vividly felt his breath fading, perhaps a deathbed vision, recalling past pain.


    He derided himself for being too melodramatic.


    His eyes gradually closed¡­


    Thump.


    The water erupted, and a shadow enveloped him.


    Ji Tingyang strained to hold onto thest bit of consciousness, his eyes opening a slit.


    He saw Lin Xu floating in the water, her hair spreading out as she tried to swim toward him.


    Her eyes, possibly reddened from crying, were clear with concern, as if spanning a barrier of twenty years to rush toward him.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s heart, which was nearly stilled, throbbed wildly as he stared unwaveringly at Lin Xu, like a zing sun, illuminating the darkness of his past twenty years.


    Watching the rippling waves between them grow shorter, he seemed to see his mother who used to sit by his bed telling stories in his childhood, the mother whoughed, asking him to make money and buy her clothes when he would be older, and the mother who touched his head and vowed never to let those who bullied him get away¡­


    A madness surged in his eyes as he etched her into his view.


    This was the real warmth that belonged to him.


    Lin Xu swam up to Ji Tingyang, sliding her arms under his from behind and embracing him as they surfaced from the water.


    Ji Tingyang moved his hands slightly, loosely embracing her body, before his consciousness finally dispersed and he sank into darkness.


    ¡ª


    When Ji Tingyang awoke, what he saw first was a stark white ceiling, and a slight pain on the back of his hand told him that he was receiving an IV drip.


    Not seeing the time, he had no idea how much time had passed.


    He moved slightly, and immediately, a choked voice of concern sounded next to him, ¡°Don¡¯t move yet, the doctor said your body hasn¡¯t recovered.¡±


    Ji Tingyang turned his head and only then btedly realized that Wen Li was actually right beside him.


    Her eyes were red, probably from a lot of crying, and her cheeks somewhat swollen, as if she had been hit?


    But none of that mattered anymore.


    ¡°Where is Lin Xu?¡± Ji Tingyang looked around.


    Wen Li was stunned, not expecting his first question upon waking to be about Lin Xu. She squeezed her hands resting on her knees, feeling a sour rise in her heart, ¡°She¡­ is in the doctor¡¯s office.¡±


    Ji Tingyang murmured ¡°Oh¡± and closed his eyes again.


    His attitude was indifferent.


    Wen Li bit her lip, tears welling up again, and she apologized with a sob, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to push you into the water. I was all over the ce at that moment, my thoughts were chaotic, I don¡¯t even understand why I did that¡­¡±


    The close call with idental manughter made her anxious and unrestful.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry¡­ can you forgive me?¡± Large tears fell from her eyes, her beautiful face intermixed with tears, looking pitiful.


    In the past, Ji Tingyang would haveforted her the moment she cried, but this time he just quietly watched her, without speaking for a long while.


    The one-sided act was embarrassing, and Wen Li¡¯s crying gradually subsided.


    ¡°Can you touch my head?¡± Ji Tingyang suddenly asked.


    Wen Li paused, baffled, but still reached out her slender hand and rubbed his head ording to his wish.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s eyes dropped slightly, his expression unreadable.


    He smirked ambiguously with a snort.


    His heart was as calm as still water, without a ripple.


    Sure enough, that lingering warmth dissipated.


    He felt nothing anymore.

 Chapter 39 - 39 The Skilled New Love

    Chapter 39: Chapter 39 The Skilled New Love


    Lin Xu said she had friends at Xie¡¯s, but actually, it was a lie; she did this just to deceive Wen Li.


    As for the so-called leaker¡¯s information, it was nothing but a nk sheet of paper. She had arranged with a courier to deliver it to the vi at a scheduled time, only to expose Wen Li¡¯s ws.


    Fishingw enforcement.


    Let her steal the document and then catch her red-handed.


    In this way, even without evidence, she could make Ji Tingyang see her true colors.


    However, Lin Xu had not expected Ji Tingyang to return early, and she hadn¡¯t even started the rest of her n yet.


    She also did not expect that Wen Li, in her panic, would push Ji Tingyang into the swimming pool.


    When Lin Xu found out, her mind went nk for a moment, and the fear of losing a loved one again swept over her. Without the slightest consideration of whether Ji Tingyang could swim or not, she dashed out impulsively.


    Ji Tingyang indeed knew how to swim, but the sudden drowning caught him off guard, and he couldn¡¯t react before the water rushed frantically into his nostrils.


    After Lin Xu pulled Ji Tingyang to shore, she felt a surge of fright, grateful she had rushed over.


    It seemed like Wen Li had just realized what she had done, her eyes brimming with tears and fear, and she sobbed intermittently.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lin Xu couldn¡¯t hold back and pped her across the face, ¡°If anything happens to Ji Tingyang, I¡¯ll make sure you pay the price!¡±


    Hospital, the doctor was talking to her about the examination results.


    Ji Tingyang hadn¡¯t been underwater for long, so there were no serious issues, and he could be discharged after waking up.


    Lin Xu let out a sigh of relief, regretting that she hadn¡¯t been meticulous enough, and wondered if Ji Tingyang had awoken yet.


    Her mind upied with thoughts of her son in the hospital room, she became oblivious to the doctor reiterating any precautions, clearly distracted.


    ¡°Miss Lin? Miss Lin?¡± The doctor called out to her a few times, ¡°Did you remember everything I just said?¡±


    Lin Xu was silent for a moment: ¡°¡­Could you please repeat it?¡±


    Doctor: ¡°¡­¡±


    After chatting with the doctor for about fifteen minutes, Lin Xu returned to the ward, and her first nce was at Ji Tingyang on the hospital bed.


    Her face brightened with joy.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally awake! How do you feel, is there anywhere that¡¯s ufortable?¡± Lin Xu quickly approached, asking a flurry of questions.


    Upon seeing Lin Xu, Ji Tingyang¡¯s expressionless face suddenly lit up with a hint of pleasure, and a bit of brightness entered his eyes as he looked at her.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± His voice was still hoarse from the drowning.


    ¡°Your voice is so hoarse, and yet you say you¡¯re fine!¡± Lin Xu gave him a cup of water to soothe his throat.


    Ji Tingyang obediently took the cup.


    After confirming there were no other issues with his health, Lin Xu felt the weight in her heart drop. She lifted her eyes to look at the IV drip beside him, only to realize that Wen Li was also here.


    Her face disyed undisguised displeasure, ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Wen Li trembled, her eyes reddening again: ¡°I was worried about Ji Tingyang and came to see him¡­¡±


    ¡°Thanks to you, he¡¯s not dead yet, you must be so disappointed, right?¡± Lin Xu said coldly.


    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t on purpose, I didn¡¯t mean it¡­¡± Wen Li¡¯s eyes welled up with tears as she repeatedly mumbled apologies.


    ¡°Whether it was intentional or not, move out of the Ji Family¡¯s house tonight!¡± Lin Xu¡¯s face darkened, her stern gaze chilling like shards of ice.


    Who knows if next time she would, while crying, say ¡°it wasn¡¯t on purpose,¡± and then do something dangerous again.


    Lin Xu didn¡¯t want to let her stay by Ji Tingyang any longer.


    Lin Xu was usually gentle, her eyes often carrying a smile, and even when she asionally got angry, she could be calmed with a little bit of coaxing.


    The anger she disyed now, even Ji Tingyang had never seen before in his memory.


    Move out of the Ji Family¡¯s house?


    This was what Wen Li had always hoped for. Since the day Ji Tingyang had confined her in the vi, she had never ceased to yearn for it.


    Now, atst, she was about to realize her departure, but the way she was leaving was entirely different from what she had imagined.


    She wanted to leave honorably and openly, not be chased away in disgrace because she had identally made a mistake.


    What would others think of her if they found out?


    Wen Li looked helplessly at Ji Tingyang, hoping he would speak up for her. After all, Ji Tingyang was the master of the Ji Family, as long as he disapproved, no matter what Lin Xu said, she wouldn¡¯t have to move out.


    Ji Tingyang received Wen Li¡¯s pleading gaze, his thin lips parted slightly, ¡°I¡­¡±


    He had barely uttered a word when he was met with Lin Xu¡¯s sharp re.


    ¡°Shut your mouth! Your throat is so hoarse, what are you talking about!¡± she red at Ji Tingyang fiercely.


    She was seething inside.


    This foolishd was nearly killed by Wen Li, and he still wanted to speak for her.


    She couldn¡¯t help but recall the ending she had witnessed before, where Ji Tingyang was locked up in jail, yet he still couldn¡¯t stop thinking about someone.


    What an idiot!


    Ji Tingyang was yelled at and stunned for a moment, holding the cup Lin Xu had just given him, blinking innocently.


    ¡°Don¡¯t speak. Just nod or shake your head when I ask you something,¡± Lin Xu said irritably, ¡°I want Wen Li to move out of the Ji family now, do you agree or not?¡±


    She stared at Ji Tingyang, her chest heaving violently, her hand beside her clenched into a fist, as if she would strangle him right there if he dared to shake his head.


    Under both of their gazes, Ji Tingyang nodded in agreement.


    He actually agreed?!


    Both Lin Xu and Wen Li were shocked.


    Was it because Ji Tingyang was angry with her? Wen Li¡¯s breathing hitched.


    As for Lin Xu, she didn¡¯t care why, as long as he agreed.


    As if he was worried she had not seen clearly, Ji Tingyang reached out, tugged at her clothes to draw her attention, and then nodded again.


    The rage in Lin Xu¡¯s heart dissipated in an instant, and a smile bloomed again on her face, her hand gently caressed his head, and she gave it a nice rub, ¡°Good boy.¡±


    A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on Ji Tingyang¡¯s lips.


    Unlike Wen Li¡¯s feeling just now, he nonchntly rubbed Lin Xu¡¯s palm.


    This time it was warm.


    ¡ª-


    Afternoon.


    Lin Xu hadpleted the discharge procedures for Ji Tingyang, and upon returning to the vi, she instructed the nanny to pack up Wen Li¡¯s belongings and send her back to school.


    ¡°Miss Lin, what is this?¡± the butler came over, puzzled.


    ¡°Wen Li is moving out, and her ess to the vi is also being revoked,¡± Lin Xu said.


    Surprised, the butler instinctively looked at Ji Tingyang.


    Didn¡¯t Young Master Ji like Lady Wen very much, could he agree?


    To the butler¡¯s surprise, not only did Ji Tingyang agree, but he was also obedient to whatever Lin Xu said.


    Ji Tingyang had previously given many clothes and jewels to Wen Li, but she wanted none of that, so her belongings at the Ji Family¡¯s were not much, it took less than an hour to pack.


    The nanny unfeelingly threw her luggage onto the car, then just as unfeelingly stuffed the sobbing Wen Li into the vehicle, driving off from the vi.


    Where there are many people, there will be gossip, especially since so many servants had witnessed Lin Xu evicting Wen Li.


    In less than a day, rumors spread throughout the circle.


    The new darling by Ji Tingyang¡¯s side had impressive tactics, casting away the favored canary and securing her own position.

 Chapter 40 - 40 "Do you like Ji Tingyang so much?

    Chapter 40: Chapter 40 ¡°Do you like Ji Tingyang so much?


    Lin Xu had thought that Ting Yang agreed to let Wen Li leave perhaps in a moment of anger or because he was coerced by her ¡°threat,¡± and that he would regret it once he calmed down.


    After all, in her impression, Ting Yang¡¯s possessiveness towards Wen Li was intensely and terrifyingly obsessive.


    However, after observing for a week, she noticed no extreme reactions from Ting Yang, so she gradually eased her worries.


    That Saturday, Lin Xu had an appointment with a beautician for a skincare treatment, and by the time she returned, it was already evening.


    The butler came running over in a panic to report, ¡°Miss Lin, Young Master Ji seems a bit off today!¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Young Master Ji has been in the study all day long!¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he just working? That¡¯s quite normal, isn¡¯t it?¡± Thest project leak hadn¡¯t been sorted out yet, and Ting Yang was still incredibly busy.


    ¡°But when I went to knock on the door at noon to call Young Master Ji down for lunch, I heard noises of things being smashed inside! It happened periodically, all day long!¡±


    Shocked, Lin Xu immediately headed for the study.


    Bang!


    Something thudded dully onto the floor.


    She just so happened to arrive during his smashing spree.


    Lin Xu abruptly pushed open the door, and Ting Yang, whose face was still flushed with frustration, was caught off guard by her sudden appearance.


    Ting Yang was startled and suddenly felt guilty, as if caught doing something wrong. He was about to exin himself when he saw Lin Xu rush up and embrace him tightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I understand. If you want to cry, just cry; don¡¯t keep it bottled up.¡± Lin Xuforted him by patting his back.


    It seemed he still couldn¡¯t let go of Wen Li and even hid in the study to grieve alone, fearing that she would worry.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Ting Yang paused, unable to grasp the current situation.


    ¡°Wen Li has treated you like this, yet you still stubbornly cling to her, especially when she clearly doesn¡¯t like you. Listen to Mom, the world is full of beauties.¡± Lin Xu said.


    Hearing her words, Ting Yang couldn¡¯t help but give a bitter smile.


    Because of the stolen project, thepany¡¯s stock had dropped several points, and today, phone calls from shareholders bombarded him nonstop, all aimed at ming him.


    Furious, he had grabbed whatever was at hand and thrown it on the floor to vent.


    Even his phone screen had cracked from being smashed.


    So Lin Xu thought his distress was because of Wen Li?


    However, her hug was somewhatforting. Ting Yang¡¯s irritation gradually eased.


    As a child, he wasn¡¯t as clingy as Ji Zeqiu, always refusing Lin Xu¡¯s hugs, finding them too cloying.


    After her death, he regretted why he had refused and began to miss those few hugs.


    Ting Yang wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder, and suddenly thought that being a bit clingy might not be so bad after all.


    But he still had to rify, ¡°I¡¯m not upset because of Wen Li.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t exin, I understand, I understand it all.¡± Lin Xu felt he was just putting on a brave face, refusing to believe his words.


    After all, in the plot she knew, he remained the viin who would pick wild vegetables for love even if he ended up in prison.


    It wasn¡¯t so easy to just get over the novel¡¯s heroine.


    Ting Yang smiled helplessly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, Mom will cook you some scallion noodles, okay?¡± Lin Xu¡¯s tone was like coaxing a child.


    When he was a child, it was candies; grown up, it had be scallion noodles.


    Ting Yang, his mood brightened by the cajoling, rested his chin on her shoulder and his voice softened remarkably as he bargained, ¡°Add another egg.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Lin Xu said.


    Ji Tingyang pursed his lips and smiled.


    Feeling a bit ¡°sad¡± asionally didn¡¯t seem too bad.


    After the minor incident, Ji Tingyang was still busy every day dealing with thepany¡¯s old ounts.


    Every morning when Lin Xu woke up, Ji Tingyang had already arrived at the office, without even having time for breakfast.


    It is said that out of ten CEOs, nine suffer from stomach problems.


    Lin Xu worried that at this rate, Ji Tingyang would also end up with a stomach issue, so she even delivered breakfast to him several times.


    However, when she arrived at the office, she heard some staff whispering about rumors of Ji¡¯s going bankrupt.


    Lin Xu remembered that in the conclusion of the novel, thepany was taken over by the male protagonist, but whether it was because of bankruptcy or some other decline, she wasn¡¯t quite sure.


    Regardless, in order to ease Ji Tingyang¡¯s burden and to prevent potential problems, she needed to find a way to address this matter.


    So Lin Xu took out her phone and sent a message to Ji Zeqiu¡¯s agent.


    Willow Wadding:[Ji Zeqiu! Ji¡¯s is going bankrupt!]


    After waiting a few minutes, she received a reply that took pleasure in their misfortune.


    Brother Zhao:[That is indeed cause for celebration.]


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    At a nce, she knew this reply was from Ji Zeqiu using his agent¡¯s phone.


    This wretched kid.


    Aggravated, Lin Xu directly made a voice call.


    The voice on the other end was a bit noisy, interspersed with the director asionally yelling at extras, which meant he was probably still on the set.


    A voice tinged with mockery replied, ¡°Are you calling to celebrate Ji¡¯s bankruptcy with me?¡±


    ¡°No, I want you to think of a way to help Ji¡¯s,¡± Lin Xu said.


    ¡°Me? What can I do?¡± Ji Zeqiu sounded unconcerned.


    ¡°Actually, Ji¡¯s has a new project, but the daughter of the president of the partnerpany is a fan of yours and insists that you be the spokesperson. But you know how your brother is, he¡¯s too embarrassed to ask you himself,¡± Lin Xu exined.


    If they could sign this contract, Ji¡¯s financial pressure could be relieved, helping them ovee this crisis.


    ¡°So he had youe and ask me?¡± Ji Zeqiu raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Lin Xu nodded firmly.


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s tone was teasing as he mercilessly exposed her, ¡°Your lying skills still need improvement.¡±


    The new project might be real, but hearing that the partner wanted him to be the spokesperson, Ji Tingyang would definitely have refused outright and wouldn¡¯t even consider it, let alone sending Lin Xu to persuade him.


    ¡°Ji Tingyang might not have said it to me, but he must be thinking it,¡± Lin Xu wasn¡¯t embarrassed by being exposed and even began to persuade, ¡°Besides, there¡¯s no such thing assting resentment between brothers. Although he didn¡¯t say it, in his heart, you are his most beloved younger brother!¡±


    Ji Zeqiu: ¡°¡­If you are here to disgust me, I¡¯m going to hang up.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯ll stop talking; don¡¯t hang up,¡± Lin Xu surrendered.


    She had intended to mend their rtionship, but Ji Zeqiu was impervious.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you sayst time to go with you?¡± Lin Xu brought up the past.


    ¡°What, now that Ji¡¯s is going bankrupt, you¡¯ve thought it through?¡± Ji Zeqiu¡¯s tone wasced with sarcasm.


    Ignoring his words, Lin Xu continued, ¡°If you help Ji Tingyang out with this, I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    ¡°Do you like Ji Tingyang that much? Even to the point of selling yourself to help him!?¡±


    ¡°Just say whether you¡¯ll help or not!¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡± Ji Zeqiu smiled and readily agreed, ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up tomorrow.¡±


    He suddenly looked forward to seeing Ji Tingyang¡¯s reaction when he took Lin Xu away.

 Chapter 41 - 41 "Will You Still Love Me When You Come Back?

    Chapter 41: Chapter 41 ¡°Will You Still Love Me When You Come Back?


    nning to stay at Ji Zeqiu¡¯s ce for a while, Lin Xu had yet to figure out how to tell Ji Tingyang when he already came home, fuming, to question her.


    He stormed over with a face full of rage, and before he could even speak, Lin Xu stepped forward with a bowl of ck chicken soup she had prepared, offering it to him to drink.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been so busytely, and you look haggard. I asked Aunt Zhang to make some soup to nourish you.¡± Lin Xu said.


    Even though it wasn¡¯t made by her own hands, seeing her bring the soup in front of him satisfied Ji Tingyang quite easily.


    He took the soup bowl, opened his mouth, and the voice that was initially surrounded by anger now carried a hint of grievance, ¡°Do you despise me?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Who said that?¡± Lin Xu was taken aback.


    ¡°Otherwise, why would you move out, go find Ji Zeqiu, isn¡¯t it good to continue living here with me?¡± Ji Tingyang asked.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Lin Xu felt guilty.


    She hadn¡¯t even figured out what to say yet, and he already knew.


    ¡°Ji Zeqiu told me.¡± Ji Tingyang was suffocating with anger.


    That guy had called him with a smug face, first expressing concern for Ji¡¯s enterprises in a weird manner, and then sowing discord by saying Lin Xu despised him for being broke and was going to move to Ji Zeqiu¡¯s ce the next day.


    Lin Xu had wanted to tell Ji Tingyang slowly, but Ji Zeqiu couldn¡¯t wait and, in less than two minutes, had called Ji Tingyang to gloat.


    ¡°Thepany is a bit chaotic right now, but I can handle it, and I will work hard to make money!¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s eyes desperately gazed at her, continuously assuring her that he would work hard, almost crying as he begged her not to leave.


    Who knows what exactly Ji Zeqiu had exaggerated to make him so afraid of being abandoned.


    ¡°I won¡¯t leave, this is our home.¡± Lin Xu smiled.


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s eyes suddenly brightened, ¡°Then¡­¡±


    ¡°I asked Zeqiu to help you endorse the new project, and then I¡¯ll stay at Zeqiu¡¯s ce for a few days. I¡¯lle back soon,¡± Lin Xu exined to him.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need him, I can handle it myself,¡± Ji Tingyang showed resistance.


    Lin Xu: ¡°But it will take a long time. With Zeqiu there, thepany can recover faster, right? After everything is settled, you cane and take me back.¡±


    Ji Tingyang remained silent, his silence expressing his reluctance.


    ¡°Besides, I¡¯ve been here for so long and I¡¯ve barely seen Ji Zeqiu a few times, including my sister. It would be great if I could call her toe and stay too.¡± Lin Xu still missed her children very much.


    Hearing the longing in her voice, Ji Tingyang¡¯s expression finally loosened, no longer resisting as much.


    ¡°Maybe I could even bring Zeqiu back to stay with the Ji family. A family should live together, right?¡± Lin Xu imagined happily.


    Ji Tingyang was unimpressed, ¡°As long as youe back, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    Lin Xu was surprised.


    Did his words mean, he agreed?


    She reached out to ruffle his hair, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will definitelye back.¡±


    Ji Tingyang pursed his lips, letting her mess up his hair.


    After a while, his expression became awkward, his voice so soft it was almost inaudible, ¡°Will you still love me after youe back¡­¡±


    Lin Xu was dumbfounded,pletely unable to imagine the usually aloof Ji Tingyang saying something so coquettish.


    At first, she thought she had heard wrong, but Ji Tingyang¡¯s shy, reddened ear tips told her that he had indeed said those words.


    Pfft.


    Lin Xuughed.


    It seemed that whether it was at seven or twenty-seven, he was still a little brat starved for love.


    ¡°You are the child I carried for ten months and gave birth to; no matter where I am, I love you,¡± Lin Xuughed.


    The expression on Ji Tingyang¡¯s face visibly became more joyful, and he hummed a few times, ¡°Do you love me even more than Ji Zeqiu?¡±


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Was he reallyparing even this?


    Lin Xu couldn¡¯t help butugh and cry at his question, yet she still went along with him, ¡°Yes, you are mom¡¯s most beloved!¡±


    Ji Tingyang¡¯s mood immediately brightened, and even when Ji Zeqiu came to pick up Lin Xu the next day, he didn¡¯t get angry.


    On the way over, Ji Zeqiu had imagined various scenarios of Ji Tingyang going crazy, and hade to the Ji Family with the intention of enjoying the chaos, but the scene that greeted him was theplete opposite of what he¡¯d expected.


    Ji Tingyang took the initiative to carry out Lin Xu¡¯s suitcase and repeatedly reminded her to take care, and to remember to call him if anything came up.


    He was reluctant to let her go, but he didn¡¯t go mad.


    Ji Zeqiu was clearly there to take Lin Xu away, yet it ended up feeling like she was just leaving on a long trip.


    He felt that this wasn¡¯t right, so he walked over, arrogantly draped his arm over Lin Xu¡¯s shoulders right in front of Ji Tingyang, and provocatively said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, since she¡¯s leaving with me, of course I¡¯ll take good care of her and see to everything.¡±


    Ji Tingyang gave him a nce, ¡°Someone who needs to be coaxed to sleep, what qualifications do you have to take care of someone else?¡±


    During the time after their parents died, Xiao Zeqiu almost cried every day, and almost every night it was Ji Tingyang who had to soothe him to sleep.


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment, ¡°Stop bringing up childhood matters, I¡¯ve grown up now!¡±


    He was already twenty-five! This guy always brought up childhood embarrassments.


    ¡°If you¡¯re capable, then don¡¯t let her coax you to sleep,¡± Ji Tingyang said indifferently.


    ¡°I definitely don¡¯t need a woman to coax me to sleep!¡± Ji Zeqiu retorted angrily.


    Ji Tingyang ignored him and continued to remind Lin Xu, ¡°Did you take the bank card I gave you? If you see anything you like while you¡¯re out, just buy it.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need, I have money, I will buy it for her,¡± Ji Zeqiu interjected.


    ¡°Oh? How much do you have? Half of the Ji Group?¡± Ji Tingyang asked.


    Ji Zeqiu was speechless.


    Even though he was now a top-tier celebrity, making a fortune every day,pared to a publicly-listed major conglomerate, he was still significantlycking.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about it, we are leaving anyway. Don¡¯t keep pining, she doesn¡¯t want you anymore, and she won¡¯te back,¡± Ji Zeqiu said with a snort.


    Ji Tingyang was disdainful of his deliberately provocative words.


    His mother had said that this was their home, and she had guaranteed she woulde back.


    ¡°How about this, why don¡¯t you two chat for a while longer, and then you can leave after dinner?¡± Lin Xu suggested.


    From the moment they met, the two had started arguing. They had been bickering for almost half an hour now; she hadn¡¯t even gotten in the car, and standing at the doorway was tiring.


    Ji Zeqiu suddenly came to his senses, a sh of irritation in his gaze, ¡°No need, we¡¯re leaving now!¡±


    Ji Tingyang nodded, still without much reaction.


    Ji Zeqiu was extremely frustrated and spitefully asked just before boarding the car, ¡°You¡¯re really okay with her living with me, alone with a man? Are you sure you¡¯re not worried?¡±


    He liked Lin Xu quite a lot, having even driven away Wen Li for her.


    Ji Tingyang waspletely oblivious to his thoughts, ¡°If you feel unsure, she can stay at the Ji Family home.¡±


    ¡°Wishful thinking,¡± Ji Zeqiu turned around, heartlessly got in the car, and left.


    Once in the car, Ji Zeqiu still found the situation unbelievable.


    Ji Tingyang had shown no extreme reactions; it seemed like his feelings for Lin Xu weren¡¯t all that strong after all.

 Chapter 42: Who Knew My Brother Was So Pitiful

    Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Who Knew My Brother Was So Pitiful


    Without a fierce struggle, Lin Xu was so easily taken away, which always left Ji Zeqiu feeling somewhat dispirited.


    Every few minutes, he would mutter to himself, ¡°Why hasn¡¯t Ji Tingyang gone mad?¡±


    ¡°Does he really not care at all?¡±


    Lin Xu helplessly shook her head.


    This child was beyond help.


    Ji Zeqiu had an apartment in the city center, which was very private; he bought it with his own money after earning as an actor.


    He casually pointed to a room for Lin Xu, ¡°You can stay in that room, order take-out if you want to eat anything.¡±


    Ji Zeqiu was particrly concerned about privacy; he did not employ a maid at home, and food had to be figured out on one¡¯s own, unlike the Ji Family that had servants at hand.


    ¡°Do you always order take-out?¡± Lin Xu looked at him with a mixture of sympathy.


    She hadn¡¯t realized how pitiful her brother was, relying on take-out for three meals a day.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ¡°What¡¯s with that look! Pack it away!¡± Ji Zeqiu bristled.


    He had so many notices, and his rest periods were irregr; he hardly had time to cook for himself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, just let me know before youe home in the future, and I¡¯ll cook for you in advance, so you won¡¯t have to eat take-out anymore.¡± Lin Xu¡¯s maternal instincts surfaced, feeling she must feed her son a good meal.


    ¡°Did you personally cook for Ji Tingyang at the Ji Family¡¯s house?¡± Ji Zeqiu asked.


    ¡°No, there was Aunt Zhang.¡±


    ¡°Then I don¡¯t need you to cook here either.¡±


    In the Ji Family, she never lifted a finger; if she started cooking for him here and Ji Tingyang found out, who knew how he would mock him.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Lin Xu didn¡¯t argue with him, but in her heart, she was still nning how to prepare a good meal for her son to nourish him.


    She pulled her suitcase back to the room, intending to tidy up the bedroom first, but shortly after, a cry of surprise came from inside.


    Ji Zeqiu hurried in, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Lin Xu, looking at the open wardrobe, said incredulously, ¡°Your house doesn¡¯t even have a walk-in closet, and the wardrobe is so small ¡­¡±


    Lin Xu originally came from a very wealthy background. As an only child, she was brought up in affluence, and after marrying, the Ji Family also had plenty of money, never letting herck financially.


    This was her first time living in arge t.


    Ji Zeqiu gritted his teeth, ¡°This is just arge t, not Ji Tingyang¡¯s huge vi; there are no walk-in closets here!¡±


    ¡°Oh so ¡­¡± Lin Xu¡¯s eyes brimmed with pity as though ready to overflow.


    That look seemed tomiserate with him, for only being able to afford a t instead of arge vi.


    Ji Zeqiu, suppressing his anger, exined, ¡°I don¡¯t need such a big ce for myself!¡±


    ¡°No need to say more, I understand,¡± Lin Xu soothed him.


    But in her mind, she thought, so it was true when Ji Tingyang said he had no money.


    She definitely must not show it, to avoid wounding her son¡¯s pride.


    Ji Zeqiu: ¡°¡­¡±


    Because he had more work to do, after settling Lin Xu in, and warning her to not enter his bedroom, he hurriedly left.


    Today¡¯s filming scheduled was quite packed, and by the time Ji Zeqiu finished on set, it was already past ten in the evening.


    He picked up his phone and nced at WeChat, the message he sent to Wen Li still hadn¡¯t gotten a reply.


    Knowing Wen Li had left the Ji Family made him very happy, and he called her the moment he found out.


    Ji Zeqiu wanted to bring Wen Li to his house.


    The call connected before he could speak, but all he heard was heartbreaking sobbing from the other end.


    ¡°Wen Li, what¡¯s wrong? Has someone been bullying you?¡± he asked anxiously.


    ¡°No, no one¡¯s bullied me ¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it Ji Tingyang!¡±


    ¡°No, not him, it¡¯s all my fault,¡± Wen Li just sobbed, unwilling to tell him anything.


    Later, when Ji Zeqiu investigated, he discovered Ji Tingyang had driven Wen Li away for another woman.


    He had also seen Lin Xu a few times and really didn¡¯t understand what was so good about that woman to make Ji Tingyang give up on Wen Li.


    Wen Li was so gentle and considerate, always took care of him when he was sick, and even made him soup¡­


    At that thought, Ji Zeqiu suddenly started to miss Wen Li.


    Ever since theirst hurried meeting before he went into seclusion for a shoot, he hadn¡¯t seen her again.


    Heposed another message, hoping to arrange a meeting with Wen Li.


    He stared at the screen for a long time but received no reply.


    Ji Zeqiu was extremely irritable and picked up the cigarettes he hadn¡¯t smoked for a long time and lit one.


    Soon, the RV was filled with smoke.


    When Shen Qingtang entered, she coughed a few times because of the thick smoke.


    Ji Zeqiu looked up.


    Through the haze of white smoke, the sight blurred, making Shen Qingtang¡¯s face, which already resembled Wen Li¡¯s, almost ovep with hers.


    Before she could react, she was pulled into an embrace.


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s grip was strong, clutching her waist tightly, holding her as if he wanted to meld her into his bones.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you reply to my message?¡± he murmured softly.


    Shen Qingtang was stunned for a moment; she hadn¡¯t received any message at all.


    But soon, she realized this sentence wasn¡¯t meant for her.


    She bit her lip, feeling a stinging pain in her chest as if it were being pricked by needles.


    Ji Zeqiu had a muffled voice, ¡°Why won¡¯t youe with me, why¡­¡±


    With each word he spoke, the needles pushed deeper into Shen Qingtan¡¯s chest.


    The next second, her chin was grabbed, forcing her to look into Ji Zeqiu¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you speak? Do you really not like me at all?¡± Ji Zeqiu¡¯s eyes were bloodshot.


    Shen Qingtang¡¯s eyes reddened, and with slightly parted red lips, she said, ¡°I like you.¡±


    It was unclear whether she was responding as a substitute or answering for herself.


    Their gazes intertwined, and a sweet atmosphere spread in the air, tinged with a hint of ambiguity.


    Ji Zeqiu stared at her lips, then slowly leaned down, inching closer.


    Her heartbeat quickened, and Shen Qingtang, tense, gripped her hand beside her body and slowly closed her eyes.


    ¡°Thump, thump!¡±


    The sound of knocking interrupted the amorous atmosphere inside the RV.


    Ji Zeqiu paused, his eyes immediately cleared, and he released Shen Qingtang, decisively moving away.


    Shen Qingtang stood there nkly, remembering the cold look in his eyes before he left. Her chest hurt, and tears suddenly slid down her cheeks.


    Ji Zeqiu, feeling irked, rubbed his temples and did not stay at the set long before he asked his manager to drive him home.


    He pushed the door open.


    Finding the three dishes and one soup on the dining table, Ji Zeqiu paused for a moment, btedly remembering that Lin Xu was now living at his ce.


    He had originally thought Lin Xu was just talking, but she had actually cooked and waited for him.


    Having someone cook and wait for him toe home felt unusually strange to Ji Zeqiu.


    Wasn¡¯t this something only a family member would do?


    The room was filled with the aroma of the meal, and the bowls and chopsticks were set on the table specifically waiting for his return, making the cold house suddenly feel warm like a home.


    Softness stirred in Ji Zeqiu¡¯s heart, and he picked up the chopsticks and put a piece of meat into his mouth.


    The next second,


    His handsome features contorted, and he spat out the meat.


    It was so unpleasant to eat!


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 43 - 43 The Forbidden Taboo

    Chapter 43: Chapter 43 The Forbidden Taboo


    Ji Tingyang had signed a contract with a partner, and a new project was put on the agenda; he frantically called Ji Zeqiu over to sign an endorsement contract.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Receiving a call early in the morning, Ji Zeqiu was irritated, ¡°Is your damnpany really going bankrupt? Can¡¯t you even wait these few hours?!¡±


    He didn¡¯t have many schedules today and was finally able to sleep in, all of which was disrupted by Ji Tingyang.


    ¡°Hurry up ande over to sign the contract, after which I need to take the person back,¡± Ji Tingyang made his intention clear.


    Ji Zeqiuughed in annoyance, retorted ¡°In your dreams,¡± and decisively hung up the phone.


    Even for contract signing, it was the agent who would go to Ji¡¯s to handle everything before bringing it back for him to sign.


    He didn¡¯t want to see Ji Tingyang,


    With his sleep disrupted, Ji Zeqiu couldn¡¯t fall back to sleep and thought about ordering takeout while leaving the house.


    But as soon as he made it to the living room, he heard a noisy ttering from the kitchen.


    Recalling the dreadful meal fromst night, Ji Zeqiu¡¯s cheeks twisted slightly, and he immediately rushed into the kitchen.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± he called out to stop whoever it was.


    Lin Xu held a cup of water, with the rim against her lips, and her motion to drink was halted.


    It turned out she was just drinking water.


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s gaze swept across the messy kitchen; the breath he had just calmed now stuck in his chest, unable toe down.


    Since he moved in, the kitchen had never been used for cooking, more often than not resembling a useless decoration; and yet, Lin Xu had been there for just one day and had already made a mess of it.


    Seeing Ji Zeqiu tell her not to move and then silence for a long while, Lin Xu¡¯s lovely cheeks showed a hint of nervousness, ¡°Is there poison in this water?¡±


    Ji Zeqiu held back, so as not to let his rolling eyes show, and pointed to the kitchen that looked like a disaster zone, ¡°Did you manage to blow up the kitchen just by drinking a ss of water?¡±


    ¡°I initially wanted to make a cup of coffee, but I don¡¯t know how to use any of this stuff here.¡± After fiddling around for a while, it turned into this mess.


    Lin Xu blinked innocently.


    Ji Zeqiu was exasperated, ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you just order takeout!¡±


    Bad at cooking was one thing, but not even knowing how to use a coffee machine, how on earth had this woman survived until now.


    If it were Wen Li, all these things would be a piece of cake.


    She had always been clever and skilled; her cooking was fragrant and delicious, fitting perfectly with his idea of homemade meals.


    Before he could snap out of his recollections, he heard Lin Xu sighing into the phone, ¡°Ji Tingyang, your brother is having such a hard time, he can only order coffee as takeout.¡±


    Ji Zeqiu: ???


    Before he could burst into rage, he heard Ji Tingyang¡¯s deep voice tinged with sympathy, ¡°You¡¯ve really suffered today, I¡¯lle over to take you home now.¡±


    Ji Zeqiu snatched her phone away, bellowing, ¡°Ji Tingyang! If you daree over, do you believe I won¡¯t sign the contract?!¡±


    The response from the other side was calm, ¡°Then hurry up and sign the contract, so I cane pick her up.¡±


    Initially, Ji Tingyang had refused Ji Zeqiu¡¯s help, but with Lin Xu¡¯s meddling, he had no choice but to ept the situation.


    As for the matter of Lin Xu leaving with Ji Zeqiu once the contract was signed, he didn¡¯t take it seriously.


    Once Ji Zeqiu signed the contract, he would be the client, Ji Zeqiu would have to work for him, but Lin Xu would always be his mother, which no agreement could change.


    The only one at a loss would be Ji Zeqiu.


    Thinking this, Ji Tingyang¡¯s mood improved even more.


    Ji Zeqiu was astonished by Ji Tingyang¡¯s shamelessness.


    The man had clearly promised he could take Lin Xu away, but now, even before he signed the contract, he was already scheming to take her back.


    Ji Zeqiu was so angry that his chest heaved violently, and through clenched teeth, he sent back a single word, ¡°Scram,¡± and returned the phone to Lin Xu.


    She grabbed her phone and looked, ¡°Why did you block Ji Tingyang?¡±


    She said, intending to unblock him.


    ¡°You¡¯re with me now, is it appropriate to keep in contact with him!¡± Ji Zeqiu eximed angrily, ¡°Don¡¯t unblock him!¡±


    In his mind, it was supposed to be Lin Xu making a resolute decision to leave with him, cutting off all ties with Ji Tingyang, then Ji Tingyang suffering immensely, begging him to return Lin Xu.


    Until now, not a single thing had gone ording to his n; how was he supposed to take revenge on Ji Tingyang?


    Lin Xu immediately stuffed her phone back into her pocket, trying to calm him down, ¡°Alright, alright, I won¡¯t talk to him anymore, don¡¯t be angry.¡±


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s lips parted, ready to say something else, but then a rumbling noise came from his stomach.


    Lin Xu¡¯s cheeks turned slightly red, ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    ¡°What do you want for breakfast?¡± Ji Zeqiu opened the food delivery app, letting her pick.


    While waiting for breakfast, Lin Xu nestled on the couch, scrolling through her phone to pass the time, until she was drawn to a message @all group members.


    She clicked on it, finding it was Ji Zeqiu¡¯s fan group she¡¯d joined before.


    The group leader was promoting Ji Zeqiu¡¯s uing new show, having released a few handsome stills from the costume photoshoot.


    He was dressed in a red outfit, holding a longsword, a heroic spirit visible in his brows, and a carefree smile on his lips. His ck hair and the ribbons fluttered in the wind, like a spirited young nobleman boldly riding a horse.


    Once the pictures were out, all sorts of adoring messages from the group were frantically flooding the screen.


    Even Lin Xu opened the pictures and admired them for several minutes, marveling at how marvelous her own genes were, to have given birth to such a handsome son.


    In Ji Zeqiu¡¯s eyes, however, that was interpreted as fangirling.


    If his memory served him right, wasn¡¯t this woman once his fan?


    Ji Zeqiu clicked his tongue, not understanding, ¡°The real person is right in front of you, what¡¯s the point of staring at a picture?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, then let me have a look at you!¡± Lin Xu suddenly picked up his cheeks with both hands, closely scrutinizing them.


    Under that piercing gaze, Ji Zeqiu¡¯s cheeks turned red, he pped her hands away, and sternly said, ¡°I¡¯m going to add another rule!¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Besides not being allowed in my room, you¡¯re also not allowed to harbor any indecent thoughts toward me, and definitively no touching!¡± Ji Zeqiu drew back, bing solemn.


    He almost forgot, this woman was his fan; thest time he encountered her at the movie town, she was holding a fan that read, ¡°Ji Zeqiu, I love you.¡±


    What if she had some improper intentions toward him, what then?


    He had to cut off such wild fantasies promptly.


    Ji Zeqiu continued, ¡°I brought you back simply to take revenge on Ji Tingyang, I¡¯m not interested in you. Moreover, I already have someone I like, so you don¡¯t stand a chance.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Overwhelmed with retorts, Lin Xu suddenly didn¡¯t know where to begin.


    After a while, she came out with, ¡°You might not believe it if I tell you, but I¡¯m actually your real mother.¡±


    Suddenly, the atmosphere around Ji Zeqiu turned icy, his gaze became wary and as sharp as a de, frightening Lin Xu to the point where her heart trembled.


    Lin Xu swallowed, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, we could¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing I forgot to say.¡± Ji Zeqiu¡¯s voice was like a cold stream, frighteningly chill, ¡°Don¡¯t talk about my mother in front of me.¡±


    ¡°I hate her.¡±


    He swallowed, throat so dry it hurt to swallow.


    He hated her¡­


    Hated that she died early, abandoning them¡­


    It also became a taboo he must not mention in his presence.

 Chapter 44 - 44 I Don’t Know Him

    Chapter 44: Chapter 44 I Don¡¯t Know Him


    After the finalized makeup photos were published a few days ago, Ji Zeqiu was about to start filming.


    No sooner had Ji Zeqiu arrived on set than other actors and artists warmly greeted him. Through the crowd, he caught sight of Shen Qingtang in the distance.


    She stood alone in a corner, her head bowed as she diligently read the script in her hands.


    Her character, a pitifully minor maidservant with not many lines, was still endearing and appeared from the beginning to the end of the story, which was considered decent.


    When the director had approached him for a discussion about the script and was short of this character, Ji Zeqiu had rmended her.


    This was also one of the conditions of their agreement.


    As a substitute, she had to be on call at all times, while Ji Zeqiu would pay her a sum of money and asionally provide her with a few resources.


    A few staff members passed by Shen Qingtang, nced at her, and muttered under their breath.


    ¡°She¡¯s been looking at the script for half a day for just a couple of lines, if you didn¡¯t know better, you¡¯d think she was ying the lead.¡±


    She had heard these kinds ofments far too many times, Shen Qingtang ignored them and was about to continue reading the script when she felt a gazend on her.


    She looked up and locked eyes with Ji Zeqiu.


    In a sh, she remembered the kiss in the trailer from a few days ago, which had been interrupted and carried a hint of ambiguity, and a flush of embarrassment swept over her face.


    When Shen Qingtang had agreed to be a substitute, she had prepared herself mentally for close contact with Ji Zeqiu.


    Yet, contrary to her expectations, Ji Zeqiu more often than not asked her to dress like that girl and simply keep himpany, talking, eating¡­


    It was more like¡­ pampering someone?


    That ambivalent atmosphere seemed to be a first.


    She bit her lip, pondering how to face Ji Zeqiu, only to see him withdraw his gaze indifferently as if she were a stranger, and then turn and walk away.


    Shen Qingtang felt as if her heart was tightly grasped by a hand, an ufortable feeling suffocating her.


    ¡­


    Ji Zeqiu had been busy on set for a week, and even moved into a hotel nearby the set booked by the production due to the distance from his home.


    It wasn¡¯t until he had a day off today with no scenes to film that he drove away from the set and found himself, unwittingly, at Wen Li¡¯s school.


    He had been sending messages to Wen Li these past few days, and her replies had always been sporadic. Yesterday, when he messaged her proposing they meet up, she had yet to respond.


    Ji Zeqiu watched the stream of students entering and leaving the school gates, scoffed at himself.


    The school was so big, even if he waited at the gate for a day, he probably wouldn¡¯t run into Wen Li.


    He sat in the car, lit a cigarette, and a momentter exhaled a ring of white smoke. His eyes were blurred by the smoke as he stared nkly at the entrance, his thoughts drifting aimlessly.


    ¡°Xu Wei, wait for me!¡±


    Xu Wei hurried to the school gate as soon as ss ended, with Wen Li quickly following.


    ¡°Have you found members for today¡¯s group assignment? How about we team up?¡± Wen Li asked.


    ¡°Oh, about that, I¡¯ve already promised Xiaoyu and the others to be in their group,¡± Xu Wei said apologetically, without a trace of remorse on her face.


    In the past, Xu Wei would only wait for his invitation to the group, but now she had taken the initiative to join another.


    Wen Li paused for a moment, then quickly said, ¡°No problem, then I¡¯ll just join you all.¡±


    ¡°Our group is already full, you should go find someone else,¡± Xu Wei said indifferently, her gaze scanning the school entrance. Upon spotting a red sports car, her eyes suddenly lit up, and she rushed over.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got something to do, I need to go,¡± she said, not lingering over conversation with Wen Li, and without turning back, she got into the sports car.


    Wen Li bit her lower lip, her expression turning somewhat unsightly.


    She didn¡¯t know if it was her own misconception, but Xu Wei seemed to have grown much colder toward her.


    She no longer waited for her to go to ss together, nor did she ask her out to go shopping, and even the messages she sent received few responses.


    ¡°Wen Li,¡±


    Wen Li was feeling down, just about to turn around to head back to school when she heard a familiar voice.


    She turned around and saw a man wearing a ck mask leaning against a car, his eyes conveying a hint of joy.


    ¡°Ji Zeqiu?!¡± Wen Li eximed softly.


    Even though his face was obscured, Wen Li recognized him immediately; after all, he often wore a mask to meet her.


    In a blink, Ji Zeqiu had walked up to her and asked gently, ¡°Are you going out? Where to? Let me give you a ride.¡±


    Ji Zeqiu was always very gentle facing her, a stark contrast to Ji Tingyang¡¯s explosive temper.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Wen Li was momentarily stunned, then quickly said, ¡°No need, I¡¯m heading back to the dorm now. You should leave quickly too, to avoid being recognized.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll take you back to the dorm. It just so happens that I¡¯ve never been to your school before.¡± Previously, when Wen Li was confined in the Ji Family home by Ji Tingyang, Ji Zeqiu¡¯s attempts to see her were always hindered. Now that she had finally left the Ji Family, he wanted to spend more time with Wen Li.


    ¡°Better not, what if someone recognizes you?¡± Wen Li discouraged him.


    Hearing her concern, Ji Zeqiu felt a bit pleased and said it was no problem before continuing to walk inside.


    Wen Li, in her urgency, grabbed his arm, then immediately heard him take a sharp intake of breath, followed by a sudden hiss.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Wen Li was startled.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just hurt my arm while filming, a minor injury.¡±


    Filming fight scenes inevitably led to bumps and scrapes, and the asional bruises or cuts on his body were nothing new to Ji Zeqiu.


    He smoothed out the contorted expression on his face, quickly returning to a normal appearance.


    Wen Li parted her lips, about to say something, when she heard someone calling her.


    She turned her head and, upon seeing Xiao Yu, her expression suddenly became tense, and she stepped back to put a distance between herself and Ji Zeqiu.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± Xiao Yu, returning from outside of the school, spotted Wen Li standing with another man.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know him, he was just asking for directions.¡± Wen Li took Xiao Yu¡¯s hand and walked towards the school, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry back.¡±


    Ji Zeqiu had long known about Wen Li having a boyfriend, but seeing her disassociate herself from him now and leave with another man still caused a sharp pain in his heart.


    He watched their retreating figures for a long time before driving back to the apartment.


    Upon entering, Ji Zeqiu was startled by Lin Xu sitting on the floor, half of her body draped over the couch.


    Lin Xu¡¯s cheeks were buried in the sofa, her dark long hair scattered alongside her body, hiding her side face and petite figure, making it hard to discern the rise and fall of her breathing.


    She couldn¡¯t possibly be dead, could she?!


    Ji Zeqiu¡¯s pupils trembled slightly as he hurried forward. He was about to reach out a finger towards her nose when he met her eyes that suddenly opened.


    His heart clenched violently, and it took him a moment to recover before he cursed, ¡°Are you sick or something, ying dead here!¡±


    With that effort, she might as well join a drama crew as an extra ying a corpse and at least get a red packet.


    Lin Xu¡¯s mouth puckered, and her eyes started to redden.


    Ji Zeqiu instantly felt a headacheing. Was this woman about to cry now?! His tone hadn¡¯t been that harsh.


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