Wanqing City, on the bus heading to the nursing home.
Ji Yuenian, who had always been eager to claim the title of campus king and cultivate a good reputation for himself, once again led the group to visit the elderly living alone.
What was different this time was that the group included a teenager who was working hard to integrate into the collective.
“Does even the campus prince play PUBG?”
“Yeah! Just that my ranking’s a bit low. If you have time, take me to the higher tiers.”
“The campus prince is really handsome today! Can we take a photo together?”
“You’re pretty too, junior sister. A photo’s okay, but my girl often checks the campus forum. Girls get jealous easily—you should understand that, junior sister.”
“Haha, how far along are you and your lady? Planning to get married? Then we’ll know when to chip in for the gift.”
“We’ll get married and register right after graduation. We’re both still minors now. Everyone knows the legal stuff.”
Ji Yuenian:…….
Watching Jiang Chi chatting comfortably with the juniors, blending almost perfectly with them, Ji Yuenian felt like ripping the guy’s mouth off!
What marriage? What registering? You shrimp-head boy!!
But he had to admit, Jiang Chi’s transformation was truly remarkable. The once aloof and introverted big boy had now become a cheerful, sunny youth, actively trying to fit in.
Not only that, he carefully tended to everyone’s emotions, and whenever he spoke, people felt a warm breeze, comfortable, relaxed, and at ease.
In the words of Ji Yuenian’s elder brother, Ji Haotong, this kind of person had maxed out emotional intelligence—perfect for a business manager who entertains important clients.
Soon, the bus arrived at the destination, and the usual routine followed: a briefing, instructions, then dispersing the group.
Like birds scattering, everyone went their separate ways. Jiang Chi and Ji Yuenian were once again grouped together.
Perhaps because of experience last time, or maybe Jiang Chi had truly changed, he showed no trace of nervousness, instead in an exceptionally good mood.
This good feeling was especially evident while cleaning the rooms of the elderly living alone—full of vitality and energy.
When Ji Yuenian saw Jiang Chi without a mask or gloves, calmly turning over a trash bin and emptying its foul-smelling contents with bare hands, his composure completely broke.
On Jiang Chi’s side, he shook the trash bin vigorously to empty out every last bit of garbage.
Noticing the shocked gaze, he finally looked up at Ji Yuenian.
“Something wrong?”
To this boy who might become his future brother-in-law, Jiang Chi spoke politely.
“You…” Ji Yuenian scrutinized the youth before him. Though simply dressed, it couldn’t hide his fresh and clean aura.
The recent experiences seemed to have affected him; even his height appeared to have shot up, almost 180 cm tall.
“…Quite the change.”
“You too,” Jiang Chi replied. Both calmly looked at each other, as if commenting on the nice weather.
After this, a brief silence fell between them. Neither spoke first.
Ji Yuenian, usually the life of the party, couldn’t find a common topic no matter how fast his brain worked.
Their only common ground was “Ji Qingchan.” He couldn’t exactly say, “Your Ji Qingchan smells nice, can I borrow her for a few days?”
That would be a disaster.
Jiang Chi, looking at his would-be brother-in-law, had a thousand thoughts swirling.
He wanted to say something but stopped.
Was Ji Yuenian trying to hint that he knew Qingchan might be Aunt Huang’s illegitimate daughter and wanted to confront him?
Wait—would that mean Aunt Huang was involved?
If this was a confrontation, then the “would-be” brother-in-law status was about to be removed.
Jiang Chi mentally replayed the past few days of the CEO-female lead novels he had been reading.
In those, the long-lost female protagonist returned home, was tormented by her parents, bullied by siblings, and forcibly matched to some greasy CEO. Then the CEO appeared forcefully to slap down everyone.
So next, was he supposed to take Qingchan to slap back at those who wronged her?
“Studying makes one wise.”
This was Jiang Chi’s life motto, so he embraced all books with a practical mindset.
Suddenly, Ji Yuenian’s phone in his pocket vibrated loudly with a “dong dong dong.”
He pulled it out, answered, and his expression instantly darkened.
“What? Su Tian got beaten up? Is it serious?!”
“That hospital? Okay! I’m coming right now!!”
After hanging up, Ji Yuenian hurriedly called over a subordinate, rapidly and roughly handed over the ongoing matters, then rushed off.
Jiang Chi quietly watched Ji Yuenian’s retreating figure, thoughtful and puzzled.
*****
Clack clack clack!
Sharp, strong footsteps echoed in the hospital corridor. Ji Yuenian had just stepped out of a taxi and was already dashing toward Room 306.
Pushing the door open, he saw Su Tian lying on the bed. One leg was heavily plastered and suspended high. Several bruised and battered subordinates were sitting nearby.
“What happened?” Ji Yuenian’s face darkened, especially when he saw the suspended plastered leg. His expression turned as gloomy as a stormy sky, dripping with menace.
Seeing their leader arrive, the subordinates stood up and began to explain the situation in a jumble of words.
A few hours ago, they had been hanging out in a dark alley when suddenly a group rushed out.
They were armed with sticks and immediately knocked them down, beating them while shouting, “If you can’t beat Ji Yuenian, how can we not handle you?”
“So someone deliberately targeted our brothers?” Ji Yuenian’s brow furrowed into a tight knot.
“Did you see who was leading them?”
The bruised subordinates looked at one another, all shaking their heads—no clear image of the attackers.
“It was Long Qiang.”
A weak, pained voice came from the bed. Su Tian struggled to sit up, his face pale, lips bitten and bleeding.
“Damn it! Those sons of turtles took advantage while I was away. This afternoon, I’ll go and…” Upon hearing this, Ji Yuenian’s fury exploded.
“Ji, don’t get involved in this. We’ve already called the police. The homeroom teacher is here and contacting the parents. There were over ten of them—it’s not good if we fight back.”
A relatively less injured subordinate hurriedly advised, seeing Ji Yuenian’s rage.
Hearing this, Ji Yuenian was momentarily stunned. His eyes quickly scanned the battered men before resting on Su Tian’s pale face.
“Old Su, you and the others think the same way?”
“Yeah.” Su Tian nodded.
“Ji, there are too many of them, and finals are coming up. If we fail, we’ll flunk the grade. Next year is our final year of high school—we have to focus on the college entrance exam.”
A hint of gloom flashed in Su Tian’s eyes. “The homeroom teacher just spoke with my parents—if I don’t straighten up, I’ll be transferred.”
“We’re the same.” The subordinates nodded sadly.
Ji Yuenian was silent for a while. Then he pulled out his leather jacket from his pocket and took out a thick wad of cash, handing it to each subordinate.
“I’m not getting involved in this mess. Take this money to buy medicine and some good supplements. I, Ji Yuenian, never let my brothers down!”
“Don’t go down that path again for now. Don’t worry, I have some connections in the police station. I’ll make sure you get a satisfactory outcome!”
He grinned, showing white teeth. “If anyone dares lay a hand on Ji Yuenian’s brothers, I’ll make sure it’s not over!”