“Yes, yes, we won’t pursue this matter any further. It’s quite normal for children to have squabbles among themselves.”
The male parent, who had been watching coldly from the side with great interest as the plump woman threatened Ye Shuang, now deflated like a punctured balloon, instantly losing his nerve.
In truth, he saw the situation clearly—he knew his own family’s affairs all too well, and he was fully aware of how unruly his own child usually was.
Moreover, he had played some role behind the scenes in today’s incident.
Just yesterday, he had received a call from a woman.
The woman on the other end of the line said that if he followed the plan, he could make a fortune.
Even if the plan ultimately failed, he would still receive a substantial payment, and she had even given him a deposit of one hundred thousand yuan.
All he needed to do was have his child deliberately pick a fight with the Children of the Ji family, then find a way to provoke them, ensuring that the Children of the Ji family threw the first punch.
Originally, everything had gone smoothly—so smoothly that he didn’t even need to do much.
But who could have expected that this stepmother, whom the woman had described as “absolutely unwilling to care for her stepchildren” and “vicious-hearted,” would protect those two Ji family’s kids so fiercely.
As he spoke, the male parent shot a furious, accusatory glare at the plump woman, who was now too frightened to move recklessly.
In his view, it was all because this woman had gone too far, provoking Ye Shuang and giving her an excuse to escalate the situation.
He simply couldn’t believe that in a wealthy family, a stepmother would genuinely go to such lengths to protect her stepchildren.
“Hmph, save those words for my lawyer.”
Ye Shuang’s voice was cold and resolute, like icicles forged from frost, sending chills down the spines of the two and silencing any further protests.
With that, Ye Shuang paid no more attention to the two individuals now facing the consequences of their own actions, focusing solely on quickly taking away the two “poor little things” who had been wronged.
But before she could even turn around, footsteps echoed from outside the door.
Immediately after, several people filed in.
At the forefront was a middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his expression stern, and his every movement exuded professionalism and efficiency.
His gaze behind the lenses was as sharp and keen as an eagle’s, seemingly capable of piercing through the glasses to see into people’s hearts.
Behind him followed several pot-bellied men.
Their stomachs protruded prominently, wobbling with each step they took, their portly figures appearing somewhat comical.
Their faces bore clear signs of timidity and ingratiation, their eyes filled with cautious expressions, as if they were afraid that the slightest misstep would displease the man.
“Madam, you’ve been troubled. Leave the rest to your subordinate.”
The middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses bowed slightly, his posture perfectly balanced—showing due respect without compromising his own dignity.
His tone was respectful and steady, his voice not loud but filled with authority, causing everyone present to straighten up.
“Oh my, it’s Madam Ji! We’ve long heard of your reputation. We’re truly sorry…”
Before Ye Shuang could speak, the men who were clearly school leaders rushed to speak, their faces plastered with ingratiating smiles that seemed stiff and forced.
Everyone’s gaze was fixed intently on Ye Shuang, as if awaiting her response, yet also seeming to plead for her forgiveness.
“The ones you should be apologizing to aren’t me, but these two children—Ji Li and Ji Zhou.”
Ye Shuang slightly lifted her chin, her eyes radiating a bone-chilling coldness that seemed capable of freezing the very air around them.
The ingratiating expressions on the men’s faces instantly stiffened, their eyes betraying unmistakable astonishment.
They never expected Ye Shuang to adopt such an unyielding stance.
They had thought a few pleasant words and flattering gestures would suffice to smooth things over, never anticipating that Ye Shuang would be entirely unmoved by such tactics.
But now, such thoughts were futile.
They could only quickly shift their focus, directing their obsequious expressions toward the two children clinging tightly to Ye Shuang’s legs, and began speaking in unison:
“Ah, yes, yes, yes! We’re sorry, so sorry, little friends Ji Li and Ji Zhou. This time it was our fault—we’ve wronged you.”
The two little ones watched wide-eyed, taking in every shift in the adults’ expressions.
The men knew all too well that, regardless of whom they apologized to, their only hope now was that the true authority of the Ji Family remained unaware of this incident.
If the Ji Family were to investigate thoroughly, they would be utterly finished.
“Hmph.”
Ye Shuang let out a soft, disdainful snort from her nose, paying no heed to their “flexibility.”
She tilted her head slightly and gave a faint nod to the lawyer in his impeccably tailored suit, her tone cool, as if responding on behalf of the two little ones:
“I think it’s too late for words now. If you have any matters to discuss, you may contact our lawyer. I believe he would be more than happy to have a thorough conversation with you.”
With that, she turned away without hesitation.
Ye Shuang looked down to assess the expressions of the two little dumplings, relieved to see they showed no signs of fear.
At that moment, the little dumplings’ eyes sparkled brightly. Though somewhat quiet, they appeared well-behaved and adorable, like two gentle little lambs.
Seeing their obedient and cute demeanor, the ice in Ye Shuang’s eyes melted slightly.
The corners of her lips curved into a gentle smile as she reached out and softly ruffled the two little dumplings’ soft hair.
Then, she leaned down slightly, bringing her face closer to Ji Li’s, and whispered in a voice as tender as a spring breeze:
“Cheng Cheng, be a little gentler with your brother. My health isn’t the best, and I’m not very strong. How about letting Butler Grandpa carry you this time, alright?”
“Okay, okay!”
Ji Li’s cheeks instantly flushed a faint pink, like ripened apples.
His large eyes glistened with moisture, filled with a mix of innocence and joy.
Truth be told, he hadn’t fully grasped what Ye Shuang said—he simply heard the gentle “alright” at the end and instinctively agreed.
In his heart, nothing else mattered at that moment. Whatever Ye Shuang asked, he wanted to agree without hesitation.
“So well-behaved.”
Ye Shuang smiled, her eyes brimming with affection.
She reached out and gently pinched Ji Li’s clean, smooth little cheek, its texture as fine and soft as a freshly peeled egg.
Then, she carefully bent down and lifted the slightly aggrieved Ji Zhou into her arms.
As she held Ji Zhou, Ye Shuang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, the little one wasn’t too heavy. If he were…
Well, the thought was too delightful to entertain.