Chapter 10: It’s Him Again

Ji Xueli had planned to wear a casual outfit, but her mother had prepared for her, already laying out a sophisticated dress and high heels, almost as if anticipating her reluctance.

“Mom, you really have great foresight.” After changing, Ji Xueli linked arms with her mother and gave a fake smile.

“Of course, this outfit is just perfect for my daughter, you’re so beautiful.” Her mother looked at her with satisfaction, raising an eyebrow. She had been prepared for this all along.

Ji Xueli’s father shook his head helplessly. “Alright, let’s get going. It’s almost time.”

Ji Xueli’s smile faded. If this was a business marriage arrangement, she would make a scene right then and there.

However, she couldn’t help but wonder about Duan Qingyu. She picked up her phone to check the delivery information—huh? It had arrived?

Her eyes widened slightly, and then the phone buzzed with a message from him.

It was a picture of a bouquet of delicate roses—99 of them. Is this how you chase after someone?

She couldn’t help but smile, imagining the look on the man’s face when he received those flowers.

Duan Qingyu paused his pen, glancing at the message she had sent, a playful and sarcastic smile in his eyes. Men can also receive roses.

He turned off his phone and set it on the desk. Then he looked at the bouquet of roses beside him, tapping his pen on the table a few times before leaning back in his chair, speaking nonchalantly. “Throw them away.”

The assistant looked at the roses, which had been photographed and sent in a message just moments ago, now… His mind never could quite grasp what Duan Qingyu was thinking, so he could only follow instructions. “Understood.”

Meanwhile, Ji Xueli had arrived at the Ji family’s door. Since it was in the rich district, it was just a matter of crossing from one villa area to another.

As soon as she got out of the car, she saw the family waiting at the door to greet them. Ji Xueli’s mother and father were happily walking toward them.

Ji Xueli put on a sweet smile, but froze the moment she saw a familiar face.

The man from the other day? Could he be Ji Yanzhou?

Ji Yanzhou noticed her slight frown, and his smile faded a bit, feeling a bit irritated, thinking she didn’t want to see him.

“Li Li, it’s been so long! Just came back from abroad, you’ve lost weight, it makes me worry.” Ji Yanzhou’s mother came forward and took her hand, speaking genuinely.

“Food abroad is just not as good as here.” Ji Xueli politely replied.

“Then you have to take care of yourself! Come visit Auntie whenever you like, and I’ll have Fang Ma make some good food for you.” Ji Yanzhou’s mother pinched her cheek.

Ji Xueli forced a happy smile and agreed, “Sure.”

“Alright, these two haven’t seen each other for a long time. Let Yanzhou take you around.” Ji Yanzhou’s mother suggested.

So, it’s really a business marriage… Ji Xueli glanced at him without changing her expression, hoping he would refuse.

“Okay, Aunt Ji.” Ji Yanzhou nodded.

“Go talk to her, after all… you’ve grown up together, childhood sweethearts.” Ji Yanzhou’s mother quietly reminded him, as if worried Ji Xueli might do something.

Childhood sweethearts, huh? Alright then. Ji Xueli felt a little relieved in her heart. “Don’t worry, Mom, we’re just friends.”

Friends… Ji Yanzhou looked at her, gripping his hand a little tighter.

The four of them walked into the living room, but Ji Xueli stayed behind, watching Ji Yanzhou who hadn’t moved either. After a pause, she spoke up. “…Not going to take a walk?”

Ji Yanzhou glanced at her and, without a word, started walking toward the back garden.

What a rude man. Ji Xueli pouted but still followed him.

As she walked behind him, she admired the flowers and plants around her, silently marveling at the grandeur of the place. This home really was like a Monet garden—no wonder they were aristocrats.

Suddenly, Ji Yanzhou spoke. “Where are you thinking of signing?”

“Company? I haven’t decided yet, maybe START Entertainment.” Ji Xueli casually answered.

Ji Yanzhou’s face changed. “Duan Qingyu’s company?!”

Seeing his strong reaction, Ji Xueli was a little confused. “What’s wrong? Isn’t it one of the top entertainment companies in the country?”

“No, you can’t join his company.” Ji Yanzhou’s voice was cold and firm.

“Why not?” Ji Xueli’s temper flared. She hated being ordered around for no reason.

Ji Yanzhou seemed to realize his tone was too harsh. He calmed down and said, “Just don’t get involved with him.”

From the way he said it, Ji Xueli could tell he was probably worried about her, considering they had grown up together.

“It’s just a company, nothing’s going on.” Ji Xueli waved her hand, trying to suppress her temper.

Ji Yanzhou pressed his lips together, seeming like he wanted to say more, but just then, his phone rang. It was from Xie Yujun.

He looked at Ji Xueli.

“Pick it up, maybe it’s work or something.” Ji Xueli gestured for him to answer the phone.

Ji Yanzhou hesitated for a moment, then chose to answer it.

“Hello, are you a family member of Miss Xie Yujun? She’s been attacked and is currently in the hospital…”

Ji Xueli saw him hang up the phone, his expression suddenly anxious, and before she could ask him anything, he quickly ran out.

What happened? Curious, Ji Xueli followed him.

She wasn’t sure what Ji Yanzhou had said to his mother, but her mother hurriedly said to Ji Xueli, “Li Li, go with Yanzhou, he’ll look after you.”

“…”

“Oh, fine.” Caught up in the drama, Ji Xueli reluctantly followed Ji Yanzhou.

“Xie Yujun, she’s the assistant next to Yanzhou, right?” Ji Yanzhou’s mother asked.

“Yes, when Yanzhou had alcohol poisoning, she helped him get to the hospital. She’s done him a favor, so he keeps her by his side.” Ji Yanzhou’s mother explained.

Ji Xueli’s mother nodded thoughtfully, deep in consideration.