Ji Xueli had originally planned to wear a casual outfit, but Ji’s mother had already prepared in advance, setting out a socialite-style suit and stiletto heels as if to prevent her from doing otherwise…
“Mom, you’re truly far-sighted,” Ji Xueli said with a forced smile after changing, linking arms with her mother.
“Of course, this outfit suits my daughter perfectly. So beautiful,” Ji’s mother said with satisfaction, raising an eyebrow. She had long been prepared for her daughter’s tricks.
Ji’s father shook his head helplessly. “Alright, let’s get going. It’s almost time.”
Ji Xueli’s smile faded. If this really was about an arranged marriage, she would definitely lose her temper on the spot.
Still, she wondered how things were going on Duan Qingyu’s end. She picked up her phone to check the delivery order information. Huh? Already delivered?
Ji Xueli’s eyes widened slightly, and then a message notification sounded. He had sent a picture.
It was a bouquet of delicate, fresh roses—ninety-nine of them. :Is this how you pursue someone?
She curled her lips in satisfaction, almost able to imagine the man’s dusty, disgruntled expression upon receiving the flowers.
Duan Qingyu paused the pen he was twirling, looking at her message with a hint of amusement and mockery in his eyes. :Men can receive roses too.
He turned off his phone and placed it on the desk, then glanced at the bouquet beside him. Tapping the pen lightly on the table, he leaned back in his chair and spoke indifferently, “Throw it away.”
The assistant looked at the bouquet of roses. Just moments ago, he had taken a photo and sent a message upon receiving it, but now…
He could never quite figure out what was going through his boss’s mind, so he simply followed instructions. “Yes.”
Meanwhile, Ji Xueli had already arrived at the Ji family’s doorstep. Since they were all in the same affluent neighborhood, it was merely a matter of going from one villa district to another.
As soon as she stepped out of the car, she could see the family waiting at the entrance, happily greeting Ji’s mother and father.
Ji Xueli also put on a well-behaved smile, but the next moment, she froze in place as she spotted a familiar face.
The man from that dinner the other day? Could he be Ji Yanzhou…
Ji Yanzhou noticed the woman frowning slightly, her smile fading considerably. He couldn’t help but feel a surge of irritation, thinking she didn’t want to see him.
“Li Li, it’s been so long. You’ve lost weight since returning from abroad—it’s heartbreaking to see,” Ji Mother said sincerely, stepping forward to take her hand.
“The food overseas naturally can’t compare to what we have here,” Ji Xueli replied politely.
“You must take good care of yourself. Come visit Auntie whenever you’re free, and I’ll have Fang Ma make you something delicious,” Ji Mother said, gently pinching her cheek.
Ji Xueli pretended to be delighted and agreed with a smile. “Sure!”
“Alright, these two haven’t seen each other in a while. Let Yanzhou show her around,” Ji’s mother suggested.
So there really was an arranged marriage in the works… Ji Xueli glanced at him expressionlessly, hoping he would refuse.
“Alright, Auntie Ji,” Ji Yanzhou nodded.
“Be nice and talk properly. After all… you grew up together, childhood friends,” Ji’s mother whispered, worried she might do something inappropriate.
Childhood friends, huh? Well, that’s fine. Ji Xueli breathed a sigh of relief inwardly. “Don’t worry, Mom. We’re just friends.”
Friends… Ji Yanzhou looked at her upon hearing this, his hands tightening slightly.
The four of them headed into the main hall, while Ji Xueli remained standing in place, looking at Ji Yanzhou, who also hadn’t moved. After a moment of silence, she spoke, “…Not going to show me around?”
Ji Yanzhou glanced at her and strode toward the back garden on his own.
What’s with him? Still as rude as ever. Ji Xueli pursed her lips but followed him anyway.
Walking behind him, Ji Xueli admired the surrounding flowers and plants, inwardly marveling. Truly aristocratic—this home rivals Monet’s garden.
The person ahead suddenly spoke up, “Which company are you planning to sign with?”
“The agency? Haven’t decided yet. Maybe START Entertainment,” Ji Xueli replied casually.
Ji Yanzhou’s expression shifted abruptly. “Duan Qingyu’s company?!”
Seeing his strong reaction, Ji Xueli felt somewhat baffled. “What’s wrong? Isn’t it one of the top entertainment companies in the country?”
“No, you can’t join his company,” Ji Yanzhou said coldly and firmly.
“Why not?” Ji Xueli grew irritated. She hated it when people gave her unexplained orders like that.
Ji Yanzhou seemed to realize his tone was off. He softened slightly and said, “Just don’t get involved with him again.”
From his words, he probably thought their breakup might still affect her, given they’d grown up together.
“It’s just a company. Nothing serious,” Ji Xueli waved her hand, also reining in her temper.
Ji Yanzhou pressed his lips together, about to say more, when his phone suddenly rang—it was Xie Yujun.
He looked at Ji Xueli.
“Answer it. It might be work-related or something,” Ji Xueli gestured for him to take the call.
After a moment of hesitation, Ji Yanzhou answered.
“Hello, are you a family member of Miss Xie Yujun? She was attacked and is currently in the hospital…”
Ji Xueli watched him hang up, his expression turning panicked. Without even a word to her, he immediately dashed off.
What’s going on? Curious, she followed him.
She didn’t know what Ji Yanzhou said to Ji Mother, but the latter quickly turned to Ji Xueli and said, “Li Li, go with Yanzhou. You can look out for each other.”
“…”
“Oh, okay.” Getting dragged into the drama herself, Ji Xueli reluctantly quickened her pace to catch up with Ji Yanzhou.
“Xie Yujun—isn’t she the assistant by Yanzhou’s side?” Ji’s mother asked.
“Yes. When Yanzhou suffered alcohol poisoning before, she was the one who helped get him to the hospital. Since she did him a favor, he kept her around,” Ji Mother explained.
Ji’s mother acknowledged this with a hum, already forming some thoughts in her mind.