Ji Jingchuan's once icy heart gradually warmed.
He didn’t care about shares, properties, or bank cards—what moved him was the overwhelming love from so many people.
This sudden outpouring of affection felt like a dream.
Would there come a day when he woke up from it?
"Everyone, enjoy the food and drinks," Old Master Ji said cheerfully. "Eldest, second, fifth, keep the elders company. Fourth, come sit with me."
Ji Jingchuan smiled. "Let me put my things away first."
Carrying a pile of gifts, he followed a servant to the newly arranged master bedroom on the second floor.
The decor was minimalist, yet every detail showed thoughtfulness—the orchids on the balcony, his favorite flowers.
To the left was Great-grandmother’s room, to the right was Duoduo’s, and his own in the middle. It felt safe, comforting.
Who would ever want to lose such happiness?
Ji Jingchuan pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
A man’s voice answered, "You little bastard, finally calling me, huh? Got money to spare for your old man?"
Ji Jingchuan smirked.
This was the man he once believed to be his biological father—always calling him "little bastard," unaware he wasn’t even a He by blood.
"Mr. He," Ji Jingchuan said coolly, "go back to the village and ask around. You’ll find the He family’s luck has turned. Your real son has lived in luxury for twenty years—a single piece of his clothing costs two or three hundred thousand. Go find him. He’ll ensure your remaining years are spent in wealth."
He hung up and blocked the number.
With that worthless man hounding Ji Liuguang, the latter wouldn’t have time to stir trouble in the Ji family anytime soon. Soon enough, the Jis would forget he ever existed.
After ending the call, Ji Jingchuan’s expression softened into one of quiet obedience. He returned downstairs and sat politely beside Rong Yu, listening without interrupting—the perfect picture of a respectful junior.
Rong Yu was chatting with Qiu Sang.
"You took first place in the performance again," Qiu Sang said with a smile. "Next is the final grouping, then the finale. Barring surprises, you’ll debut as the winner. Any plans after signing with an agency?"
Rong Yu replied, "Joining the competition was unexpected. After filming wraps, I’ll likely step back from the entertainment industry."
Qiu Sang was stunned.
Most fought tooth and nail to break into the glitzy world of showbiz. Yet Rong Yu, poised to debut as the center, chose to leave?
"That’s… admirable," Qiu Sang said. "With your talent, you’ll succeed in anything."
Nearby, Ji Yanting entertained a group of elders.
Old Master Hai hesitated before asking, "Ah Yan, you’re not getting any younger. Have a girlfriend?"
Ji Yanting’s hand paused. He shook his head.
"Interested in meeting someone?" Old Master Hai leaned in. "My granddaughter just graduated—a huge fan of yours. She’s here tonight. Over there, in the purple dress. Why not chat, see if there’s a spark?"
Ji Yanting glanced over.
A young woman in a lilac gown stood by the banquet hall, eyes shining as she stared at him—clearly a fan.
Even a family gathering couldn’t spare him from admirers.
Even if he didn’t already have feelings for someone, he’d never entertain a fan.
"I don’t do blind dates," Ji Yanting said flatly. "Excuse me."
He stood and walked toward Qiu Sang and Rong Yu.
His gaze locked onto Qiu Sang, who turned away, the tips of her ears flushing pink.
The air between them grew thick with tension.
Rong Yu wasn’t blind. If she missed this, she might as well quit life.
She promptly stood, leaving them space.
Ji Jingchuan picked up her half-finished tea and followed her to another corner.
Ji Zhouye, who’d been boasting to Si Lin and others, noticed his fourth brother hovering attentively around Great-grandmother. His eyelid twitched.
When the fake fourth brother had returned from abroad, he’d felt his status in the family rise.
But now, the real fourth brother was back—and seemed to be stealing his title as the favorite great-grandson.
Sure, he pitied his real brother’s past suffering.
But surrendering his top spot? Unthinkable. Otherwise, he’d rank below the family dog, Songguo.
"Great-grandmother…" Ji Zhouye hurried over. "Let me escort you."
Rong Yu shot him a look. "Do I look eighty to you?"
Ji Zhouye grinned. "Great-grandmother is forever eighteen—a stunning beauty, peerless in charm…"
As he spoke, he subtly shouldered Ji Jingchuan aside.
But when he glanced back, Ji Jingchuan’s head was bowed, half his face shadowed—like a discarded puppy.
Guilt punched him in the gut.
He’d basked in the family’s love for over a decade. His brother had only just come home. How could he be so selfish?
"Fourth Brother," he blurted, "let me escort you too."
Ji Jingchuan smiled. "Thanks, Ah Ye. I heard you’re great at games. Mind teaching me?"
Ji Zhouye immediately turned to Rong Yu. "See, Great-grandmother? Fourth Brother asked! After twenty years of hardship, he deserves some fun, right?"
Rong Yu rolled her eyes. "When have I ever stopped you from gaming?"
Ji Zhouye muttered inwardly.
True, she never outright forbade it. But that murderous side-eye was worse than a scolding.
The banquet hall buzzed with laughter.
Ji Yanting and Qiu Sang slipped away to a quiet garden.
"Your identity as the Ji family’s second young master shouldn’t be public yet," Qiu Sang said professionally. "Wait until you fully take over Ji’s Entertainment before announcing it to the media—"
Ji Yanting leaned in, his voice low. "I think I know why my first two confessions failed."
Qiu Sang’s fingers tightened, her throat dry.
"I used rings," he murmured. "Those are for proposals, not confessions. No wonder it pressured you."
He pulled out a book—one she often read in her free time, about actors and scripts.
She’d studied it to connect with him better.
"Qiu Sang, my work is scripts. But my life isn’t." Ji Yanting’s gaze was intense. "I want to try—try being your boyfriend in real life. Will you let me?"
Qiu Sang bit her lip.
She’d refused before.
But now…
Her biggest fear was gone.
With no more shadows, why not step into the light?
The only way to leave the past behind was to embrace what lay ahead.
