“Young master, are you alright? Did Qin Meng do anything else to you!” The man addressed by Ji Weichen as Uncle Shi was the same person Su Meng had driven away days earlier. His eyes filled with tension as he scanned Ji Weichen from head to toe, only relaxing after confirming the young master remained unharmed.
Since that day, he had been seeking ways to re-enter the Qin residence. Fortunately, the Qin family had been preoccupied with preparations for the Ji family’s arrival in Jade City, resulting in lax security. Seizing this opportunity, he slipped into the Qin compound despite Su Meng’s previous warnings, fearing further delay might lead to the young master’s demise within these walls.
“Young master, let me take you away. If the Ji family discovers your existence, it’ll be disastrous. Before they arrive, we should escape the Qin residence. I swear upon my life, I’ll protect you and ensure neither the Jian nor Ji families find or harm you,” Uncle Shi pleaded.
“Uncle Shi, I wish to remain here,” Ji Weichen responded.
“Why, young master? Surely you haven’t forgotten how that woman Qin Meng treated you. What if…” Uncle Shi seemed taken aback by this response, his face clouding with anxiety.
“This place suits my concealment perfectly. Moreover… she can be utilized.” Ji Weichen paused mid-sentence, lowering his gaze to the box in his palm containing fresh wound medicine and a cartoon gray wolf plush toy. His fingertips gently traced the small wolf’s teeth.
Having temporarily lost both memory and sight, he had momentarily been deceived.
Mistaking the perpetrator for his savior.
But as memory and vision gradually returned, he recalled her true nature.
Hypocritical, cunning, vicious…
Ultimately no different from the others—all approaching with ulterior motives, whether seeking his life or the inheritance rights behind him.
No matter. As before, he would simply exploit their greed.
Temporary, hypocritical kindness remained false—unable to sustain itself before revealing its ugly truth.
“Are you certain it’s merely utilization? Young master, you mustn’t be deceived or enchanted by her. She makes me feel…” Uncle Shi hesitated, struggling to find adequate words. Under normal circumstances, he might have immediately agreed with Ji Weichen’s decision.
But since his last encounter with Su Meng, he carried lingering unease—an indescribable sensation, an instinctual warning to maintain distance from the danger she represented. This very apprehension drove him to risk infiltrating the Qin residence, determined to extract Ji Weichen at all costs.
“Only utilization. I won’t be bewitched by her.” Ji Weichen spoke these words before casually discarding the plush toy, letting it soil and gather dust in a dark corner where no light could reach it.
His eyes darkened with gloom, long lashes casting shadows.
He had no need for such things.
……
The Ji family from Upper Capital arrived as scheduled, represented by current family head Ji Muzheng and his son Ji Cheng.
Ji Muzheng, impeccably dressed in his thirties, projected an aura of refined amiability. His chubby son Ji Cheng wore extravagant clothing from head to toe, his face bearing an arrogant, domineering expression. Qin’s Father sat nearby with slightly obsequious posture.”Master of the Ji family, long time no see. My humble Jade City may not be as prosperous as your Upper Capital, but the landscape scenery is quite remarkable – views you can’t see in Upper Capital. Shall I take you for a tour tomorrow?” Qin’s Father spoke with a beaming smile.
Before he could finish speaking, Ji Cheng who was sitting nearby directly interrupted.
“What’s worth seeing in this backwater place? Dad, why did you have to come here? I heard this uncle’s daughter is seriously ill and will die sooner or later. I don’t want to catch her sickness – I want to go back!” Ji Cheng clamored.
“Or are you trying to see that wretched woman and that bastard? Mom told me to keep an eye on you, to…” He paused briefly, then continued.
“Don’t talk nonsense.” Ji Muzheng maintained his composure, cutting off Ji Cheng’s words. With a gentle expression, he patiently soothed the boy, clearly showing extreme indulgence as he didn’t reprimand him at all for such remarks.
“Children speak without thinking, I understand.” Qin’s Father chimed in with a conciliatory tone to ease the tension.
Then he gave a meaningful look to Qin’s Father. His trip to Jade City wasn’t for experiencing the local customs of some small town.
He merely wanted to verify and confirm that his former wife and son were truly dead.
He couldn’t allow the stain of abandoning his wife and child to tarnish his reputation.
Just as he was about to speak, Ji Muzheng suddenly paused, his gaze catching sight of Ji Weichen feeling his way down the stairs carefully using the handrail. Since Su Meng was experiencing heart discomfort and temporarily needed medication, bed rest, and oxygen, she hadn’t come down with Ji Weichen.
Ji Weichen lifted his eyes, his unfocused and vacant gaze seemingly fixed on Ji Cheng.
Beneath the surface lay an icy, penetrating chill.
“And who might this be?” Ji Muzheng pointed at Ji Weichen and inquired.