Rong Yu hesitated for a moment.
She had no desire to take over the Ji Group—there was simply too much work involved.
Besides, as the old saying goes, "Each generation minds its own affairs," meaning elders shouldn’t interfere in how children are raised.
But Zhiyuan’s parents had passed away.
It was Yingbao, his grandfather, who had painstakingly raised the boy.
Now that Yingbao was seventy-eight years old, how could she, as the boy’s mother, bear to watch him exhaust himself further?
Her fingers tapped lightly.
Finally, she signed her name on the last page.
"Chairwoman." Secretary Jiang immediately switched his address. "From this moment onward, I will serve you wholeheartedly. Should we announce the change in leadership to the media?"
Rong Yu: "No need. Just keep it between us."
Public announcements would bring her no benefit—only trouble.
Moreover, the shares under her name would eventually be transferred to Ji Zhiyuan anyway.
Secretary Jiang nodded. "Then please accompany me to the next office, Chairwoman, to register your facial recognition and fingerprints…"
Rong Yu stood and followed him out.
After the two left, Old Master Ji turned to Ji Zhiyuan. "Now that your great-grandmother is the chairwoman, does she really need to explain firing an employee to you, a mere CEO?"
Ji Zhiyuan clenched his fists.
Was it really necessary to escalate things like this just because he’d pleaded for Lan Rouxue?
He’d read about his great-grandmother’s illustrious achievements—a revered scientist like her should have had a magnanimous heart.
Why insist on firing Rouxue?
Seeing his suppressed emotions, Old Master Ji grew irritated.
He had once hoped Secretary Lan would marry into the Ji family sooner rather than later.
But now? Thank goodness he hadn’t pushed for it—otherwise, the family would’ve been saddled with a troublesome daughter-in-law.
Zhiyuan was usually so sharp. How could he not see who mattered more—his girlfriend or his great-grandmother?
"The Ji family has never cared about social status when choosing brides—only character," the old man said sternly. "I once thought Lan Rouxue was a girl of integrity, which is why I supported your relationship. But now? I’m sorry—the Ji family cannot accept a granddaughter-in-law with such poor morals. Break up with her."
Ji Zhiyuan looked stunned. "Labeling her as morally corrupt just because she accidentally reassigned a makeup artist? That’s beyond unfair!"
Old Master Ji frowned. "I’ll ask you one last time—will you break up with her or not?"
"You’re acting like a feudal patriarch," Zhiyuan retorted stubbornly. "I won’t."
"Since you insist on defending Lan Rouxue—" Old Master Ji gave him a cold glance, "the Ji family will freeze all your credit cards and reclaim your private stock dividends and trust funds. From now on, you’ll only receive a monthly salary as the CEO of Ji Group. Any objections?"
Ji Zhiyuan opened his mouth.
He wanted to say he could quit as CEO.
He had the skills to start his own company, to build something entirely his.
But seeing the deep wrinkles on the old man’s face, and knowing Rong Yu was out of touch with the times—if he abandoned his responsibilities, the Ji Group would surely suffer.
Through gritted teeth, he replied, "Fine."
Old Master Ji left without another word.
Zhiyuan slumped into his chair, pressing his fingers to his throbbing temples.
The door creaked open. Lan Rouxue stepped in, her voice soft. "Zhiyuan… what did the old master say?"
Ji Zhiyuan looked up. "Let me find you another job."
"I swear I didn’t mean to target Miss Rong—it was just an unfortunate coincidence…" Rouxue’s eyes reddened. "Zhiyuan, do you believe me?"
Of course he did.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have fought with the old man like this.
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
His phone vibrated. A video call from Lan Yue.
The moment he answered, her sweet voice chirped through: "Daddy, are you still working?"
Zhiyuan forced a gentle smile. "It’s past ten. Why aren’t you asleep yet?"
"I’m waiting for Mommy to come home." Lan Yue pulled up a shopping page on her screen. "Daddy, can you buy me this princess dress? My best friend has one—it’s so pretty! If I wear it, I’ll be the happiest, most beautiful girl in the world!"
Zhiyuan was about to agree—until he glimpsed the price.
220,000.
His credit cards had just been confiscated.
From now on, he’d only have his salary.
Most of a CEO’s income came from stock dividends. His fixed monthly pay? Just over 220,000.
Meaning this dress would cost him an entire month’s wages.
For the first time in his life, he hesitated over money.
"Daddy? What’s wrong?" Lan Yue’s smile faltered. "It’s just one dress. Everyone else has it—don’t I deserve it too?"
"Yueyue!" Lan Rouxue finally interjected. "Didn’t Mommy teach you not to ask others for gifts?"
"But Daddy’s not others!" The girl blinked her big, pleading eyes. "Daddy, please? Buy it for me? If you don’t, my classmates will laugh at me…"
Zhiyuan nodded reflexively. "I’ll get it now."
But with his accounts frozen and payday far off, he had no choice—he borrowed the money from a friend.
---
Rong Yu slept soundly that night.
When she woke, a pair of sparkling eyes greeted her.
"Good morning, Duoduo."
"Morning, Auntie!" The little girl beamed. "It’s Monday—time for school! Hurry up and get dressed!"
No longer as shy as when they first met, Duoduo giggled as Rong Yu scooped her up. "Off we go—breakfast awaits!"
Downstairs, Ji Zhiyuan sat at the table.
The moment Duoduo spotted him, she shrank back, nervous, and quietly sipped her porridge.
Old Master Ji frowned. "Where’s Fifth? Haven’t seen him in days."
Steward Yu bowed slightly. "Young Master Zhouye returned at two in the morning. He’s likely still asleep."
"Staying up that late—how can he drive safely?" The old man waved a hand. "Steward Yu, arrange a dedicated chauffeur for Miss Rong immediately."
"No way!" Ji Zhouye stumbled downstairs, his hair a bird’s nest. "I’m young! A little lost sleep is nothing—I can still drive!"
He grabbed the car keys, carried Rong Yu’s bag, opened her door, and buckled her in before smoothly pulling out of the driveway.
Rong Yu eyed him. "Spent the weekend gaming?"
"Heh, Great-Grandma knows me too well." Zhouye grinned. "A new game just launched—I pulled two all-nighters to beat it. First in the country! Impressed?"
Rong Yu tilted her head. "Is it really that fun?"
In her era, there had been no digital games. She genuinely didn’t understand the appeal.
"So fun!" Zhouye’s eyes lit up. "Later during class—ahem—I mean, at lunch break, we’ll have an hour or two. I’ll teach you. Once you try it, you’ll get why it’s addictive!"
