Ji Jingchuan lowered his gaze, his long lashes casting gray shadows beneath his eyes. Though he shared blood ties with the Ji Family, he had never truly lived among them as family. The one who had spent twenty years in the Ji household, growing up alongside them as kin, was Ji Liuguang.
Could twenty years of familial bonds really be severed so easily?
If Ji Liuguang stayed…
Wouldn’t he, Ji Jingchuan, become that pitiful stray without a home again?
His fists clenched tightly.
"What are you doing here?" Ji Zhiyuan’s voice was icy. "You’re no longer part of the Ji Family. Do you understand?"
Ji Liuguang’s gaze swept over each member of the Ji Family.
The eldest brother regarded him coldly.
The second brother’s eyes were distant.
The third brother was absent.
The fifth averted his gaze.
And Old Master Ji—his face twisted in fury, as if he wanted to strangle Ji Liuguang on the spot.
There was no place for him in this family anymore.
"I know I’m no longer a Ji," Ji Liuguang said, his eyes settling on Ji Jingchuan. "The Ji Family has every right to disown me—they raised me out of kindness. But you… how dare you turn your back on the woman who raised you? Here you are, basking in the spotlight as the guest of honor at this banquet. Have you even spared a thought for the suffering of the woman who nurtured you? Do you have no conscience?"
Even if he couldn’t return to the Ji Family, he would ruin Ji Jingchuan’s reputation.
He would make sure Ji Jingchuan never knew peace.
As expected, the expressions of those around them shifted subtly.
It was often said that the bond of nurture outweighed the bond of birth. To abandon the woman who had raised him—what did that say about his character?
So this Fourth Young Master of the Ji Family, who appeared so meek on the surface, was actually a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Ji Zhouye quickly stepped forward to pull Ji Liuguang aside. "Fourth Brother, don’t do this. You’re ruining the banquet. Leave for now—we can talk later."
"You’re the only one who still treats me as family." Ji Liuguang patted his shoulder. "Having a brother like you is my greatest fortune."
Ji Zhouye immediately recoiled.
He had only called him "Fourth Brother" out of habit—not because he still acknowledged him as such.
But if he were honest with himself… he and Ji Liuguang were closest in age. They had grown up together, causing mischief side by side. How could there be no affection between them?
It was true—he couldn’t bring himself to sever those ties completely.
Yet when he looked up and met Ji Jingchuan’s dark, unreadable eyes, he suddenly felt guilty toward his new fourth brother.
"My foster mother is currently in prison, facing judgment for her crimes," Ji Jingchuan said calmly, stepping toward Ji Liuguang. "She was a servant of the Ji Family, yet twenty years ago, she swapped the children. She must pay for what she did. The only thing I can do is hope she reflects on her actions, cooperates with rehabilitation, and when she is released, I will fulfill my duty as her foster son."
The crowd’s expressions shifted again.
"So it wasn’t a mistake—it was intentional."
"A servant daring to swap the master’s child? She should be executed!"
"If every servant followed her example, all the great families would be in chaos."
"After twenty years, he still wants to fulfill his filial duties… what a good-hearted young man."
The tide of opinion turned, and Ji Liuguang’s face twisted in fury.
By then, Ji Jingchuan had closed the distance between them. He leaned in slightly, his voice barely audible. "You always adored Zhang Cui'e, didn’t you? You never let her come home to care for me. Never allowed her to call me. Now she’s yours alone—shouldn’t you be happy? Why do you look so resentful?"
Ji Liuguang’s pupils constricted violently.
This bastard—once so meek and obedient—now dared to mock him?
Ji Jingchuan continued, "Before, you were the Fourth Young Master of the Ji Family, and I was the servant’s son. But starting today, our roles are reversed. Ji Liuguang—no, you don’t bear the Ji name anymore. You’re He Liuguang now."
The name "He" was like a knife plunged straight into Ji Liuguang’s heart.
He could no longer restrain his rage. His hands shot out, clamping around Ji Jingchuan’s throat.
Ji Jingchuan didn’t resist. His already pale face grew even paler as he struggled to speak.
"You’re such a fool. Don’t you realize? The more you insult me, the more they’ll pity me. The more you hurt me, the faster they’ll accept me. He Liuguang… thank you for helping me integrate into the Ji Family. Feel free to visit anytime."
Ji Zhouye, standing closest, reacted instantly. He shoved Ji Liuguang away and steadied Ji Jingchuan before he could collapse.
Any lingering affection he had for Ji Liuguang vanished in that moment.
Old Master Ji felt the same.
He had held onto a sliver of hope for this impostor grandson—but now, all that remained was disgust.
"Old Yu," the old man commanded, his voice steely, "throw him out. If he ever steps foot in Hibiscus Manor again, call the police for trespassing."
"It wasn’t me!" Ji Liuguang shouted. "He provoked me! He’s not as innocent as he seems—he’s scheming and manipulative! If he stays in the Ji Family, he’ll bring nothing but shame!"
"Enough!" Ji Zhiyuan snapped. "What are you all waiting for? Get him out!"
Steward Yu signaled, and four burly bodyguards seized Ji Liuguang, dragging him out as he continued to scream protests.
"Apologies for the spectacle," Old Master Ji addressed the guests. "The Ji Family no longer acknowledges this foster son. His actions are his own—they do not reflect upon us."
The guests nodded in understanding.
The gift-giving resumed.
Old Master Hai presented a jade pendant.
Old Master Si offered an antique folding fan adorned with a famous painting.
Others followed suit with their offerings.
Finally, it was the Ji Family’s turn.
Old Master Ji handed Ji Jingchuan a share transfer agreement. "Every child of the Ji Family receives two percent. Sign, and it’s yours."
Before Ji Jingchuan could thank him, Ji Zhiyuan stepped forward with a property deed. "A villa in the eastern district. If you ever feel unwelcome here, you can move there. Or leave it empty—it’s yours regardless."
Ji Yanting passed him a bank card. "All the allowance you should have received over the years is in here. Spend it however you like—don’t hold back."
Ji Zhouye scratched his head sheepishly. "Fourth Brother, I’m a bit broke… so I could only afford the latest smartphone."
He had spent all his savings on it. Life was cruel.
Duoduo had already given her jade pendant.
Rong Yu smiled. "I’ve arranged for you to re-enroll in high school and retake the college entrance exams. Rest and recover first."
Ji Zhouye: "..."
Sending Fourth Brother back to high school? Only their great-grandmother could come up with such a "gift."
