As Song Qingchi’s words fell, the living room plunged into a deathly silence. Soon, it was broken by a burst of delighted laughter.
Ji Mingwei revealed a sincere smile, her gaze towards Song Qingchi filled with as much satisfaction as possible. She said gently, “Qingchi, it’s you who understands things clearly. I’m relieved that you think this way.”
“However…” Song Qingchi’s tone shifted swiftly, “Auntie, I’ve just returned to the capital not long ago, and this is my first formal visit to your home. If we immediately announce the annulment of the engagement, even if both sides maintain the same story that it was just a joke, I’m afraid it could still negatively impact the Ji family’s reputation.”
Ji Mingwei’s smile faded slightly as she looked at him searchingly. “So, what do you suggest?”
Song Qingchi adjusted his glasses, smiling warmly and earnestly. “Auntie, you might think me arrogant, but I still want to say—I have confidence in changing my current circumstances within two years. By then, even if I can’t compare to the Ji family’s deep-rooted foundation, at least the gap won’t be too large…”
Ji Xingzhu’s eyes lit up, sensing she had caught a flaw in his words. She immediately glared at him and exclaimed sharply, “Well, well! You’re quite a scheming person! Just now you said you didn’t take the engagement seriously, so what are you trying to achieve with these words now? I think you’re still desperately hoping to climb up through my family!”
Ji Mingwei gave Ji Xingzhu’s arm a light, chiding tug, but her gaze towards Song Qingchi also turned more cautious.
Even after being treated so rudely, the expression on Song Qingchi’s face remained completely unchanged, still that same refined warmth. His voice was clear and magnetic, his unhurried tone possessing a soothing charm. “Miss Ji, please don’t get agitated. I absolutely don’t harbor any improper thoughts.”
“I only wish to make one suggestion—that the Ji and Song families publicly announce the annulment of the engagement two years from now.”
“By that time, my company will have already developed. With the disparity in status not being so great, if we both announce the annulment with the same story, the impact of the matter can be minimized.”
“Moreover, if we succeed in this collaboration, the Ji family will be my benefactors. The annulment of the engagement then won’t affect the Ji family’s public image.”
Ji Mingwei was slightly taken aback, a thoughtful expression appearing on her face.
Song Qingchi made a lot of sense. Back when the Song family hadn’t gone bankrupt, both families were prominent figures. Intending a powerful alliance, they arranged an early engagement for their children.
This engagement was practically common knowledge within wealthy circles.
Yet, the more people envied them back then, the more they mocked them after the Song family’s bankruptcy…
Over the years, some people had brought up the Song family and Song Qingchi in front of her, explicitly or implicitly, insinuating that she was heartless, turning her back on her in-laws once they fell on hard times. Ji Mingwei had actually been holding in her frustration.
But if things were handled exactly as Song Qingchi suggested… it truly could both peacefully annul the engagement and minimize the negative fallout!
Ji Mingwei’s look towards Song Qingchi changed, now filled with appreciation and approval. This young man was quite impressive. Saying he would achieve great things in two years wasn’t an empty boast.
Just looking at the contract he brought today and his conduct, it was clear Song Qingchi would definitely be successful later.
Ji Mingwei sighed inwardly. Actually, she wasn’t one to overly prioritize a son-in-law’s family background; otherwise, she wouldn’t have married Wen Xuzhe, who came from a rural area. After meeting him in person, she was quite satisfied with Song Qingchi as a “prospective son-in-law”… It’s a pity her daughter had resisted this marriage arrangement since childhood, refusing to agree no matter what, so she could only go along with it.
Ji Mingwei gave Song Qingchi a sincere smile. “Qingchi, you’re a good child. Let’s handle the engagement matter as you suggested.”
“As for this contract, don’t worry. I’ll have someone discuss it with you later.”
Hearing this, Song Qingchi’s eyelashes lowered slightly. A shadow seemed to flash within the depths of his dark eyes but was concealed by his motion of adjusting his glasses. His expression remained unchangingly composed and mild. “Thank you, Auntie Ji.”
Ever since Song Qingchi declared their engagement was just a joke, Ji Xingzhu had been in a state of system failure. She couldn’t understand why reality was developing completely differently from the book.
Not only was the plot development different, but even the character of Song Qingchi, the Long Aotian male lead—was completely different!
“9—!!! What’s going on?!” Ji Xingzhu was shocked. “I prepared for a long time for today’s scene, but now there’s no place for me to use my skills at all!”
System 999 frantically wiped sweat. “I told you the plotline was deviating! It seems the problem is more serious than I imagined! Not only has the plot changed, but even the male lead’s character is different from the original!”
“No, I have to report this situation to headquarters immediately!”
In her daze, Ji Xingzhu saw that Song Qingchi had already settled the collaboration details with her parents and was getting up to take his leave.
Ji Xingzhu hesitated. “Long Aotian is leaving, but I haven’t finished delivering my lines yet…”
999 immediately said, “That won’t do! Quickly catch up to him and finish your lines! Whether the male lead follows the plot is his business, but we have to faithfully follow our character settings. What if headquarters holds us accountable?!”
Ji Xingzhu: “…”
This Long Aotian was so polite and courteous that she felt a bit awkward about making an unreasonable scene now.
Ji Xingzhu thought for a moment, then stood up and said, “Dad, Mom, I’ll see Mr. Song out.”
The Ji parents didn’t quite understand Ji Xingzhu’s action but nodded anyway. “Alright, Xiao Zhu, see Qingchi off for us.”
Song Qingchi, who had already started walking towards the door, glanced subtly at Ji Xingzhu upon hearing this. His gaze was inscrutable, though the smile at his lips never faded. “Then I’ll trouble Miss Ji.”
Ji Xingzhu followed behind Song Qingchi as they walked out of the Ji family villa in silence. The moment they stepped outside, Ji Xingzhu quickly scanned her surroundings, confirming no one was nearby. She took a deep breath, her face stern, and called out sharply, “Hey, you! Stop right there!”
Song Qingchi paused in his steps, then slowly turned around. “Miss Ji, is there something you need?”
Meeting those dark eyes hidden behind gold-rimmed glasses, Ji Xingzhu’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat. No matter how gentle Song Qingchi appeared, she always felt this person was somewhat dangerous, perhaps because those eyes were too dark and deep, impossible to see through.
Ji Xingzhu steadied her mind, crossed her arms, and lifted her chin slightly, adopting a proud and disdainful posture. Her enchanting peach blossom eyes also revealed intense contempt. “Song Qingchi, when you said our engagement isn’t valid just now, were you serious?”
Song Qingchi, as if completely oblivious to the hostility Ji Xingzhu displayed, replied with a gentle smile, “Of course.”
“And you saying we’ll formally announce the annulment two years later isn’t an excuse either?”
“Absolutely not.”
Ji Xingzhu was momentarily speechless but still braced herself to continue the act. “Hmph! You better remember what you just said!”
She unleashed her full “drama queen” energy, ordering Song Qingchi around imperiously. “Your family is bankrupt. You can’t possibly match up to me now. I absolutely won’t marry a pauper like you. Don’t you dare harbor any unrealistic fantasies…”
Ji Xingzhu blurted out all the lines from the original work in one go, almost running out of breath. She paused slightly to catch it before delivering the final threat with feigned ferocity. “Remember, I am someone you can’t hope to reach. Don’t dream foolishly!”
Having said that, Ji Xingzhu maintained her haughty, scornful expression while secretly stealing glances at the male lead. She was waiting for Long Aotian to utter that classic line, “Don’t bully the young for being poor.”
However, even after Ji Xingzhu’s barrage of unreasonable and malicious words, Song Qingchi’s expression remained completely unchanged. He was still the picture of calm composure, showing not a hint of anger.
Instead of responding to Ji Xingzhu’s provocation, he looked up at the sky. “It’s about to rain. Miss Ji, there’s no need to see me off further. You might catch a chill if you get wet.”
Ji Xingzhu: “…”
She felt the familiar frustration of throwing a punch into cotton wool.
“Hey, were you even listening to me?” Ji Xingzhu glared at him.
As soon as the words left her mouth, Ji Xingzhu felt a few drops of rain hit her face. Before she could react, the rain intensified, falling with a gentle patter.
Disdainfully, Ji Xingzhu raised a hand to shield her face, muttering, “Why did it have to rain? My makeup will run.”
Just then, she heard a rustling sound. Looking up, she saw Song Qingchi across from her taking off his suit jacket.
After removing the jacket, Song Qingchi was left wearing only a black dress shirt, which accentuated his tall, well-proportioned physique. His shirt was buttoned all the way to the top, right up to his Adam’s apple.
Ji Xingzhu stared somewhat dumbfounded at the scene. Before, she only thought Long Aotian was unexpectedly gentle and good-tempered. Who knew… once the clothes came off, there was such an overwhelming sense of masculinity.
Especially when his black shirt got wet from the rain and clung to his body…
Not bad for a harem-collecting Long Aotian. He definitely had something going for him.
Ji Xingzhu’s thoughts wandered unconsciously. Before she could figure out why Song Qingchi was undressing, the next second, that jacket was held out in front of her.
Ji Xingzhu looked up at him in confusion, not understanding.
Song Qingchi offered the jacket forward, saying calmly, “Miss Ji, whatever else you wish to say, I’m all ears. But perhaps shield yourself from the rain first.”
“It would be my fault if you caught a cold.”
Ji Xingzhu: “…”
Ji Xingzhu was momentarily speechless, her mind a tangled mess. Finally, she gave Song Qingchi one last fierce but hollow glare. Without taking the jacket, she turned and scampered back home in a flash, slamming the villa door shut with a resounding bang.
After Ji Xingzhu returned home, Song Qingchi stood alone in the deserted villa district, silent in the rain for a long time.
The gentle smile that had always curved his lips was gone, replaced by an unsmiling expression that made his handsome features appear sharp and formidable. Even the gold-rimmed glasses couldn’t hide the darkness in his eyes.
Soon, he picked up his jacket and left.
The rain grew heavier, pelting his body, yet his steps remained steady and unhurried, showing no trace of haste.
·
The moment Ji Xingzhu got home, her parents in the living room looked her way.
Ji Mingwei frowned. “Why did you stay outside so long? Look, you’re all wet. Go take a shower immediately so you don’t catch a cold.”
Ji Xingzhu responded absentmindedly.
Her father, Wen Xuzhe, cleared his throat lightly. Instead of showing concern for his rain-drenched daughter, he changed the topic on his own. “By the way, there’s something I wanted to mention.”
“Yajun is about to participate in a dating reality show soon. The program crew wants to film the contestants’ family environments. After all, she’s my own niece. I intend to lend her some support. So, Yajun will be moving in to stay with us recently.”
Hearing this, Ji Mingwei instantly frowned. But before she could say anything, Ji Xingzhu cut in decisively, “I don’t agree!”
Wen Xuzhe’s eyes darkened, clearly displeased. However, he took two deep breaths and skillfully put on a gentle, smiling face, coaxing, “Yajun has a hard time in the entertainment industry. Letting others see she lives in a large villa might earn her more respect. Xiao Zhu, she’s your cousin. You should help each other.”
Ji Xingzhu scoffed. “She wants to use my family’s villa to show off? Turns out she’s not only shameless but also quite vain! Anyway, I don’t agree. Why should I let an outsider live in my home?”
Wen Xuzhe’s smile began to falter. “What outsider? She’s your cousin! Your uncle passed away early, leaving only two descendants. As his only surviving brother, shouldn’t I take good care of them for him…”
Ji Xingzhu rolled her eyes, delivering a meaningful jab. “Dad, you’re really good to your niece Wen Yajun, aren’t you? Someone who didn’t know might think she’s your biological daughter.”
A barely noticeable flicker of panic crossed Wen Xuzhe’s face, but he quickly regained his composure and retorted, “What nonsense are you talking!”
After that, he didn’t bring up the matter of having Wen Yajun move in again. Instead, he picked up a newspaper and started reading, as if to cover his tracks.
Seeing the issue had been dropped for now, Ji Mingwei didn’t press further, merely urging Ji Xingzhu again to go take a shower.
The difference in the level of concern the two parents showed for their daughter was stark.
Before heading upstairs, Ji Xingzhu shot Wen Xuzhe a sarcastic glance. Having read the original novel, she knew perfectly well that this live-in son-in-law father of hers was far from a good person.
Sooner or later, he’ll have to be dealt with.
But for now, Ji Xingzhu has more important matters to attend to.
After finishing her shower, Ji Xingzhu dried her hair while asking 999, “What exactly is going on? Why is the male lead so different from the book?”
She sighed softly, “Without Long Aotian’s cooperation, it’s a bit hard for me to play the malicious fiancée properly. It hampers my performance.”
999 took a while before appearing, sounding listless, “Host, I’ve reported to the higher-ups. They don’t know why the male lead deviated from the original story either. The specific reasons still need investigation.”
“Moreover, it’s not just the childhood sweetheart plotline that’s problematic!” 999 said anxiously. “Do you remember what your dad said earlier about your cousin participating in a dating show?”
Ji Xingzhu said unhappily, “He doesn’t deserve to be called my dad, and Wen Yajun isn’t my cousin either.”
“Okay, okay, I’ll be more careful next time! The point is that dating show!”
Ji Xingzhu was puzzled, “What about the dating show? Wen Yajun is a third-tier celebrity. What’s so surprising about her joining a variety show?”
“The key is the show she’s joining is called Love on the Journey!” 999 said seriously. “It’s the exact same dating show Long Aotian participated in in the original story!”
“After the male lead’s family fell from grace, he endured hardship for a long time. Even after returning to the capital following the college entrance exams, he was still financially strained.”
“It was then, while walking on the street, that the male lead’s striking appearance caught the eye of a producer from the entertainment industry. The producer strongly recommended him to join a dating reality show. On this show, the male lead, with his handsome looks and astonishing talent, successfully won the hearts of all the female contestants, outshining all other male contestants. He quickly gained immense popularity online and was highly praised.”
“The male lead earned his first capital from this, officially starting his business comeback journey. Because of participating in the dating show, he also gained countless fans. He was truly a winner in life!”
Ji Xingzhu suddenly understood, “Ah, I remember now! The male lead also added two members to his harem through that show. Tsk tsk.”
“But!” The system’s tone suddenly turned grave. “I just checked. Love on the Journey is about to start filming, and all the contestants have been finalized—but the male lead isn’t among them!”
“Oh?” Ji Xingzhu raised an eyebrow with interest, feeling a bit of schadenfreude. “So he lost his potential wives? Two at once.”
999 said anxiously, “And you’re laughing?! Participating in the dating show is the male lead’s first major turning point. It’s crucial to the plot! If the male lead doesn’t join, the plotline will have another serious deviation!”
“The higher-ups gave me a strict order. I must find a way to maintain the original story’s plotline and ensure the normal operation of this little world!”
Ji Xingzhu countered, “So how do you plan to maintain it?”
999 gave an awkward laugh, its tone actually carrying a hint of fawning. “That’s why I still need your help, Host! Just like I said before, you go and play the male lead’s cheat system. I’ll assist you from the side. Together, we’ll guide the male lead back on track!”
Ji Xingzhu: “…”
Ji Xingzhu helplessly rubbed her forehead, “Don’t joke around. Can’t you think of another method? I’m a living person, not a system. How can I bind with the male lead?”
999 hurriedly explained, “Don’t worry, I said I’d assist you! When necessary, I’ll connect your consciousness with the male lead’s. Then, just like me, you can communicate with him telepathically.”
“No, too troublesome,” Ji Xingzhu refused flatly.
She only needed to effortlessly play the arrogant fiancée to quickly complete her tasks and earn her chance for rebirth. Why would she unnecessarily increase her own workload?
999 started crying, “Host, please help me! If you’re willing to help, I’ll definitely remember your great kindness! Don’t you hate that scumbag dad? I’ll help you teach him a lesson, okay?”
“And Host, we’re tied together in this! If we let the male lead deviate from the original plot, we might fail our tasks in the end. Then we’d both be in trouble, boohoo…”
999 cried and whined for a long time, making Ji Xingzhu’s head throb with the noise. Finally, after a long while, she gave in with a sigh, “Alright, I agree.”
999 was overjoyed, “Thank you so much, Host! I’ll bind you with the male lead right now. Remember to be clever. Don’t let the male lead notice anything suspicious.”
Ji Xingzhu was slightly taken aback, “Bind now? What should I say to the male lead?”
“Of course, trick him… um, persuade him to join the dating show! Our task is to ensure the male lead follows the plot! Don’t worry, I’ll be assisting you the whole time you’re acting as the system!”
Ji Xingzhu still had many questions, but 999 didn’t wait for her to ask them one by one. It eagerly took her “on duty.”
The next second, the scenery before Ji Xingzhu’s eyes instantly changed.
She looked around in confusion, finding herself in a modest single apartment. It didn’t contain many things, but it was tidy and clean.
Before she could react, she looked down and saw an unfamiliar male physique.
Tall, well-built, and covered in a fine layer of sweat.
In her shock, Ji Xingzhu accidentally let out a small gasp. The man before her immediately stopped moving, and a cold voice rang out, “Who is it?”
It was Song Qingchi’s voice.
Only then did Ji Xingzhu realize—was she sharing the male lead’s perspective?
Because she was now his “system”?
Instinctively, Ji Xingzhu held her breath, not daring to let the male lead discover anything amiss.
This was a rare opportunity. She should observe the male lead covertly first, preferably figuring out the reason for his difference from the book.
So, for now, best not to expose herself.