Ji Chen did indeed have a dinner engagement that evening. Having been away from the capital for so long, several close friends arranged a gathering to welcome him back.
The crowd was larger than expected, with both familiar and unfamiliar faces. Ji Chen maintained his warm, gentle smile throughout, showing no trace of impatience.
The social circle in Beijing was both vast and small. Ji Chen and Fu Jingshen’s faction rarely interacted, but by coincidence that night, Ji Chen met Yan Hang, the young master of the Yan family.
Few knew of the friction between Fu Jingshen and Ji Chen two years earlier over a piece of land. Yan Hang happened to be one of those few.
Before the bidding, Yan Hang had even advised Fu Jingshen to ease off, warning him not to offend his future brother-in-law too deeply. But unexpectedly, Fu Jingshen ended up being outmaneuvered by Ji Chen, and Yan Hang had cursed him as a “scheming villain.”
Yet now, seeing Ji Chen in person, Yan Hang felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity and warmth in his refined demeanor. His courteous manner made Yan Hang reconsider— He didn’t look like a scheming villain at all. Perhaps his judgment had been unfair.
After several rounds of drinks, Yan Hang felt a natural affinity with Ji Chen. He pulled a few brothers along and invited Ji Chen to Feng Nong, an exclusive VIP club in Beijing.
Ji Chen smiled and agreed readily.
As the saying goes, “a man’s character shows in his play.” After a few rounds of cards, Yan Hang grew more convinced that Ji Chen was someone worth befriending. He began to think that the conflict with Fu Jingshen must have been a misunderstanding, and he entertained the idea of reconciling the two. After all, they were to be family in the future—too much hostility would be unseemly.
“Actually, this style of play—my Third Brother is the best at it.” Yan Hang watched Ji Chen’s expression. “Why don’t I call him over to join us?”
Ji Chen’s fingers shifted slightly, but his expression remained unchanged. “It would be an honor.”
Yan Hang immediately stepped out to call Fu Jingshen. He didn’t mention that Ji Chen was there, only asked him to come play.
On the other end, Fu Jingshen’s cold voice replied: “No time.”
“Don’t say that.” Yan Hang lowered his voice. “Third Brother, you’ll regret it if you don’t come! I mean it!”
Fu Jingshen: “Hanging up.”
“Wait!” Yan Hang blurted. “Ji Chen! Ji Chen is here! Third Brother, show him your skill at the table.”
The line suddenly fell silent.
One second. Two seconds.
Fu Jingshen: “Location.”
It seemed the grudge between those two ran deep, and Yan Hang suddenly felt his mission was daunting. After hanging up, he returned to the private room, continuing with cards and chatter.
But in this world, there’s always someone who brings up the wrong topic. Someone asked: “Young Master Yan, how’s it going lately? Why haven’t you won the beauty’s heart yet?”
Yan Hang’s brow twitched, barely restraining an eye-roll. He hadn’t even managed to see her face properly—how could he talk about winning her over? He waved his hand. “Don’t bring it up.”
Seeing Yan Hang’s frustration, a friend tried to console him: “Not to be harsh, but women like that are just playing hard to get. Truth is, their appetite is huge.”
Yan Hang snapped coldly: “Shut up. No one will mistake you for mute.”
Sensing his displeasure, the friend looked embarrassed. “I mean, as a brother, I’m just giving advice.”
“She’s not that kind of person.”
As they argued, Ji Chen lifted his eyelids, smiling faintly. “And which beauty has caught Young Master Yan’s eye?”
With Ji Chen asking too, Yan Hang felt uneasy. Why did it seem like the whole world knew about his pursuit?
He answered: “Brother Chen, you just returned, so you probably haven’t heard. In West Street, there’s a teahouse called Yulinling.”
“The proprietress there.” Yan Hang recalled Ji Ying’s image, oblivious to Ji Chen’s shifting expression, and even snapped his fingers in delight. “She’s stunning.”
For a long moment, Ji Chen said nothing.
When Yan Hang looked up, he met Ji Chen’s dark, gentle gaze. Somehow, it made him uncomfortable all over.
“Brother Chen, don’t doubt me,” Yan Hang insisted. “My Third Brother was there, too.”
Ji Chen let out a short laugh, narrowing his eyes, suddenly intrigued. “What did Fu Jingshen say?”
Yan Hang thought back. What had Fu Jingshen said? Wait—did he even say anything? His mind blanked, recalling only the word “ordinary” and the sudden shattering of a teacup. As his thoughts raced, Yan Hang’s eyes shifted, and suddenly he realized. Who was Ji Chen? Fu Jingshen’s brother-in-law! In front of a brother-in-law, could you praise another woman’s beauty? Of course not!
So Yan Hang decided instantly: “Third Brother said she was ordinary.” He even winked at Ji Chen, emphasizing: “Very ordinary.”
See how devoted Third Brother was to his fiancée! Put #FuJingshenGoodMan on the public screen!
“Ordinary, hm.” Ji Chen repeated softly, then chuckled. “Good.”
Yan Hang straightened his chest. “But tastes differ. Personally, I think she’s very beautiful.”
Ji Chen gave him a long look, smiling. “You’re all very good.”
Yan Hang silently congratulated himself on his quick wit.
Meanwhile, Ji Huai had taken Ji Ying to a discreet French restaurant.
“You’re eating even less than me.” Ji Ying set down her knife and fork, her clear eyes resting on Ji Huai’s lean face. “You’ve lost weight again.”
Ji Huai’s peach blossom eyes sparkled as he raised a brow. “Your brother’s at standard male-celebrity weight. Top-tier self-discipline. Got it?”
Ji Ying: “Don’t get it.” She puffed her cheeks, unhappy. “You don’t take care of yourself at all.”
“When will Second Brother come home?” Ji Ying lowered her voice, lashes drooping. “Dad and Mom really miss you.”
Ji Huai’s smile faded. After a long silence, he reached out to ruffle her hair deliberately, speaking carelessly: “Since when did you start managing your brother?”
Ji Ying quickly smoothed her hair, glaring at him angrily. “You messed it up.”
Knowing how much the little girl cared about her looks, Ji Huai laughed with roguish charm. He stood, brushing off the topic. “Come on, I’ll take you somewhere nice.”
“Where are we going?” After leaving the French restaurant, Ji Ying sat back in the passenger seat.
Ji Huai pressed a long finger to his lips, blinking playfully. “Secret for now.”
Ji Ying gave a soft hum and fell silent. The engine roared, and the fiery red sports car sped down the road, stopping before a discreet building.
“Feng Nong?” Ji Ying read the name of the club softly. She followed Ji Huai inside, watching him stride confidently into a private room. As he pushed open the door, she stepped in behind him.
Suddenly, two party cannons went off at the doorway. Ji Ying nearly cried out, but saw Ji Huai grinning broadly, gesturing to the others inside. Heavy metal music blasted instantly—he had brought in an entire live band.
Ji Huai pulled Ji Ying to the sofa, raising two fingers. “Second birthday gift: a top-star live show.”
Ji Ying: “?!”
Seeing her astonishment, Ji Huai flipped his cap backward, lips curled in a roguish grin. “Do you know how many fans dream of seeing me on stage?”
“You’ve hit the jackpot, Yingying.” Ji Huai had risen to fame through talent shows, and the stage was where his charm shone brightest. This time, though, it was a gift prepared just for her.
Ji Ying watched, transfixed, her heart swelling with tender emotion and bittersweet warmth.
After each song and dance, Ji Huai leaned into the mic: “Is your brother handsome?”
Ji Ying’s bright eyes sparkled as she clapped. “Handsome!”
Encouraged, Ji Huai grew more excited. Drinking too much, he eventually got carried away, even battling the backup dancers in a dance-off.
The birthday performance gradually turned into Ji Huai’s personal showtime.
Ji Ying covered her lips, laughing helplessly. His team, full of bold men and women, eventually broke into a raucous birthday song for her, voices booming.
By the time the party ended, it was late at night. Ji Huai, unsurprisingly, was drunk.
Ji Ying rested her chin in her hand, watching her brother slumped on the sofa, his fine brows drooping, and sighed softly. “Brother.” She patted his face gently. “Wake up, it’s time to go home.”
Ji Huai cracked open half-drunken eyes, grinning. “Yingying, were you happy today?”
“Yes.” Ji Ying’s eyes brimmed with laughter as she nodded firmly. “Really happy.”
Ji Huai chuckled foolishly. “That’s good.”
Ji Ying reached to pull him up, intending to lead him out.
Half-conscious, Ji Huai worried about weighing her down, so he let go of her hand. “I can walk myself.”
Ji Ying helped him put on sunglasses and pull up his hoodie. “Walk slowly.” She took out her phone. “I’ll call Big Brother to pick us up.”
“No, no, no!” Ji Huai suddenly sobered, quickly refusing. “If he finds out, he’ll kill me.” He fished out his own phone. “I’ll call Brother Chen to arrange someone to drive us back.”
Brother Chen, full name Chen Zhong, was Ji Huai’s manager.
Though exasperated, Chen Zhong had no choice but to come fetch his troublesome star, promising to arrive in fifteen minutes.
Wearing a cap and mask, Ji Huai led Ji Ying to the agreed spot.
The spring night breeze was cool. Ji Ying still wore her pale yellow qipao from the day, her slender legs bare and strikingly fair. Ji Huai immediately tried to take off his jacket for her, but she stopped him. “I’m fine. Chen Zhong will be here soon.”
Just then, Ji Huai’s phone rang. Chen Zhong’s sharp voice came through, blunt as ever: “Bad luck. Your car’s been tailed by sasaeng fans. I can’t get there anytime soon. Figure it out yourselves.”
Ji Huai drew a deep breath—but before he could reply, the call was cut off.
Ji Ying glanced at Ji Huai, who looked nearly petrified. “Maybe… I should just call Big Brother.”
Ji Huai gave up struggling, closing his eyes in despair. “Go ahead, call.”
“…Alright.”
The phone rang only twice before being picked up. Ji Ying and Ji Huai exchanged a look, then she briefly explained the situation. They heard Ji Chen’s low voice, heavy with suppressed anger: “Ji Huai, you’ve really outdone yourself.”
Ji Huai: “…”
But when speaking to Ji Ying, Ji Chen’s tone softened instantly. “Yingying, wait a moment. I’ll be there right away.”
Outside, the night was hazy. Fu Jingshen sat in the back seat, watching the scenery slide past, unmoving.
Thinking of meeting Ji Chen soon, a rare flicker of unease stirred in his chest— After all, his motives were far from pure.
As Feng Nong drew closer, Fu Jingshen closed his eyes, considering how he should face Ji Chen in the future. Of course, being overly cordial was impossible. Just then, his gaze outside froze. He stared straight ahead at two figures on the street.
The girl wore a pale yellow qipao, her long hair tied back, her graceful silhouette the only splash of brightness in the night. But— beside her stood a tall, lean man in a hoodie, his whole body covered. The two spoke quietly. The girl’s lips curved gently, her bright eyes shimmering with warmth.
Fu Jingshen narrowed his eyes, his long fingers curling against his knee. For reasons he couldn’t name, he suddenly spoke: “Stop the car.”
The driver hesitated, then braked.
By the time Fu Jingshen realized, it was too late to regret. The car had already stopped beside them. Through the dark window, the girl’s clear eyes turned toward him, puzzled.
Fu Jingshen calmly lowered the window. Her delicate features appeared clearly before him. “Miss Ji.”
At the instant their gazes met, Ji Ying’s long lashes trembled, surprise flashing in her eyes. But she still replied politely: “Mr. Fu.”
Fu Jingshen’s gaze shifted silently from her face to the man at her side.
In the dim car interior, Ji Huai couldn’t see who it was. He scanned the car warily, pulling Ji Ying behind him. “Who are you?”
Fu Jingshen’s eyes chilled, though his tone remained even. “Who I am is not something I need to report to you.”
Arrogant! Too arrogant!
Ji Huai’s fists clenched. His sister was too beautiful—men even tried to flirt with her on the street. Fueled by alcohol, he rolled up his sleeves, sneering. “Big talk. Do you even know who I am?”
Ji Ying: “…” How had this turned into an argument?
Seeing the tension rise, she quickly grabbed Ji Huai’s hand, nodding apologetically to Fu Jingshen. “…He’s drunk.”
Though the girl spoke apologetically, her stance was entirely protective of the man beside her.
Fu Jingshen felt no comfort in it. His brows, hidden in the night, sank lower. He no longer looked at Ji Huai; instead, he turned to Ji Ying. “Miss Ji, are you waiting for a car? If you don’t mind, I can give you a ride.”
Damn it! Such audacity—flirting with his sister right in front of him! Ji Huai was about to explode.
Just then, a clear male voice rang out from behind. Though gentle, it carried no room for negotiation. “My sister, I’ll take her myself.”
Not far away, Ji Chen strode forward in his suit, calm and composed.
“No need to trouble President Fu.”