叫啊你越叫我越兴奋

While walking back, she heard Jack’s voice from the earpiece, "Master, mission accomplished!" Her jaw tightened as a vein twitched on her forehead. She so wanted to smack Jack’s face for using such an old fashioned way. But she held it in. She’ll have to wait until the end of the banquet before teaching him a lesson.

Inside the banquet hall...

Whispers hadn’t died down. Instead, they had increased with the arrival of Ji Syaoran himself. He was greeting his grandparents with a polite smile when his gaze fell on Xiao Zhi Ren. But when he saw Ru beside him, Ji Syaoran’s eyes widened a bit in surprise which he hid quite well.

He straightened up before making his way towards Xiao Zhi Ren with a solemn look on his face. Ru observed him and Xiao Zhi Ren who definitely didn’t look like his tipsy self that she just saw outside.

"Do you know, one of them is the son of a Mistress," Ru’s sharp listening senses had caught up this whispering very clearly as her ears perked up.

"Really?" She heard a gasp. "Which one?"

"Can’t tell. Ji Family didn’t let anyone leak this information."

"I think it’s that Xiao Zhi Ren." Someone commented in the gossip group.

"No. I’m sure it isn’t him. First, he’s the eldest one. Second, can’t you see the doting look in Old Madam Ji’s eyes? It’s obvious he’s the rightful one."

Even Ru had to nod with this remark. But for now, she was interested in seeing the relationship between these two half-brothers. They both could become the next head of the family. There had to

be some competition or perhaps... animosity?

As Ji Syaoran came close to them, he immediately grinned and opened his arm for Xiao Zhi Ren whose face had the same look. "Bro, I missed you!" Hearing Ji Syaoran’s words and their moment of cordiality. The hall went into a hushed silence.

This came as a huge shock for some people who were trying to scheme about choosing sides to make the most of benefits.

Xiao Zhi Ren patted Ji Syaoran’s back and said, "We just talked last night. Do you have to be so dramatic?"

Ji Syaoran pulled away with a full blown smile gracing his handsome face. "It’s been 21 hours. That’s enough time for me to miss my brother."

"I thought you were not gonna make it."

"I had to come just for you." Seeing Ji Syaoran being cheeky, Xiao Zhi Ren shook his head at him before rubbing his perfectly styled hair. "Bro!" Ji Syaoran fixed his hair with a scowl. "I know you won’t listen to the fact that I don’t like being treated like a kid anymore but could you please refrain from doing it in public. I have an image to maintain."

Xiao Zhi Ren rolled his eyes at him and used both of his hands to ruffle Ji Syaoran’s hair. "You never listen." Ji Syaoran grumbled but his eyes held a look of pure adoration and admiration.

’I thought they’d be at each other’s throat. But they seem too close.’ Ru was having a monologue in her mind as her hawk-like eyes were scrutinizing them. ’Why does this Mr. Second brother have the same look in his eyes as our little squirrel?’ Confusing! Everything was turning more confusing with each passing second.

First, Old Madam Ji’s unusual way of doting on Xiao Zhi Ren.

Second, Xiao Zhi Ren’s animosity towards his father, Ji Yifeng.

Third, the odd woman on the third floor.

Fourth, these half-brothers sharing such a close bond.

And lastly, Ji Syaoran treating Xiao Zhi Ren exactly as Xiao Zhi Yuan does.

"Oh, Ran Zi[1], meet Xie Rong. He’s my sworn brother." A look of surprise flashed through Ji Syaoran’s eyes.

"Hi! I’m Ji Syaoran." He held his hand out for Ru who eyed his hand and him with an amusing look. "Nice meeting you."

Ru took his hand and squeezed it unnecessarily as she said slowly, "Likewise. Mr. I’m-being-low-key..." Ji Syaoran’s eyes widened up. He didn’t think Ru could recognize him.

[1] ’Ran Zi’ is Ji Syaoran’s nickname. Adding Zi is using a word for showing affection.