BXBX NOVEL Chapter 398: 398: Released from Prison, Full of Sweetness
Chapter 398: 398: Released from Prison, Full of Sweetness
Ye Wenhan’s face was extremely grim.
Song Zhizhi raised an eyebrow, her face defiant.
Ye Wenhan stormed off.
Reporters had been waiting outside the police line. Seeing Ye Wenhan and Qian Guanshu appear first, they became very excited.
“Mr. Ye, we heard that the real culprit was Chu Qin, who committed a series of crimes to frame Song Zhizhi. Is that so?”
“Mr. Ye, what are your thoughts on Chu Qin’s actions? It’s rumored that Chu Qin likes you. What are your feelings towards him?”
“Mr. Ye, we just heard about your health condition from Song Zhizhi…”
Ye Wenhan, who already looked sick, frown deepened.
He said solemnly, “What Chu Qin did, makes me chill and heartbroken, I don’t want to mention anything about her any more. The law has given her a heavy punishment now, I just hope that this 40-year sentence will make her deeply remorseful.”
“Chu Qin has been sentenced for 40 years?”
“Yes.” Ye Wenhan nodded slightly, clearly not wanting to discuss further.
The reporter hurriedly asked, “Will Chu Qin’s father, Mr. Chu Zhaotian, be implicated by Chu Qin’s actions?”
Ye Wenhan didn’t answer directly, he said, “Failure to discipline one’s child is the parent’s failure.”
“Mr. Ye…”
“Sorry, I still have a lot of work today. Due to my concern about this case, my work has been somewhat delayed, I need to go back to handle it. Please make way.” Saying that, Ye Wenhan and Qian Guanshu left.
The reporters didn’t dare to stop them.
The order from above was clear, do not embarrass Ye Wenhan at any time, and do not report any negative news about him.
The reporters just watched Ye Wenhan leave.
Song Zhizhi and Ji Baijian watched him too, witnessing the obvious bias of the reporters.
Clearly, the Milky Way Media now is not as before.
In the past, even scandals of officials would be reported, let alone those of business leaders!
Ji Baijian walked with Song Zhizhi down the high steps.
The reporters were still eagerly watching them.
A reporter shouted, “Miss Song, you’ve finally cleared your name. Any thoughts on this?”
“Thankful for the fairness of law.”
“Is that all? Just the law?” the reporter teased, suggesting there are others she should be thankful for.
Song Zhizhi smiled, “Some gratitude needs to be buried in the heart, cannot be shared with others.”
The reporter chuckled knowingly.
Song Zhizhi glanced at Ji Baijian.
There was an unmistakable sweetness in both their eyes.
Once the reporter finished gushing over their sweetness, another hurriedly asked, “Miss Song, do you think the punishment Chu Qin suffered was enough?”
“As I mentioned, I am grateful for the fairness of the law, thus, I accept any judgement it renders.”
“Were the rumors true that Chu Qin had inappropriate feelings for Mr. Ye?”
“The truth and lies between Mr. Ye and Chu Qin are solely their business, I’m not in a position to inquire.” Song Zhizhi smiled, “After all, aren’t relationships a matter between two people? Whether it’s one-sided or mutual, or a matter of convenience, that’s between two people, and only they would know. We observers, can only listen to hearsay.”
The reporters nodded in understanding at Song Zhizhi’s hint.
They dared not probe further.
For Ye Wenhan, they would report only the best news.
“Mr. Ji, from the start, you were firm in your belief that your wife did not commit any illegal acts. How could you be certain?”
“Because she is Song Zhizhi, Song Zhizhi would never do anything to harm the national interests and reputation, much less commit illegal acts for personal gain.” Ji Baijian answered confidently.
“There’s a rumor that your father wanted you to divorce Song Zhizhi?”
“My father is not me, and the person marrying Song Zhizhi for life is not him, so it’s understandable that he doesn’t understand what kind of person Song Zhizhi is. Now that everything is clear and Song Zhizhi has been vindicated, everyone can see what kind of person she is. As for the previous rumors, I think that’s all too human.”
“Miss Song, what are your thoughts about your father disowning you before the case was fully decided?”
“Just like Mr. Ji’s father, I can understand their actions.”
“It’s understandable for Ji’s father, but your father, you are his biological daughter! Even Ji Baijian stood by your side from the beginning, but your father chose to abandon you!”
“He is a man with a strong sense of justice. His position and identity require him to be upright in dealing with any issues. I feel lucky that when it comes to choosing between family concerns and public concerns, he chose public without hesitation. This only shows that he is a man of the people, he won’t bend law for personal gain.”
“Miss Song has such a high opinion of her father,” the reporter said in admiration.
No one expected Song Zhizhi to evaluate her father like that.
They all thought that at least by now, Song Zhizhi should be standing up for herself.
Yet, everyone knew that Song Shan’s actions were not about family or unity, they were purely for safeguarding his own interests.
Song Zhizhi didn’t say much else. She just said, “Thank you for your concern, reporters. I have indeed been hurt to some extent during this period, so please, give me some space.”
Saying so, Ji Baijian had already grabbed her hand and forcibly took her away from the reporters.
From the high steps, Ji Baili and Xin Zaozao watched these two people leave.
Hand in hand, they disappeared.
Ji Baili murmured to himself, “Don’t you think that’s a bit too much?”
A smile played at the corners of Xin Zaozao’s mouth.
She thought it was not too bad.
Right now, she was only thinking about how she could smoothly leave the scene. Since the key persons have already left, why are the reporters still sticking around?!
Just as she was thinking this way…
Chu Zhaotian appeared.
Standing alongside him was Qin Wenguo.
Qin Wenguo paused for a moment before saying to Chu Zhaotian, “Old Chu, I’m going to accompany you just till here.”
Chu Zhaotian glared hard at Qin Wenguo.
The abrupt turn of events in court and the various verdicts had pushed Chu Zhaotian to the edge of a breakdown. He had never imagined precisely how Chu Qin could dare to do such a thing. As he thought about his impending future in business, he was so infuriated that he sat in the courtroom for a long, long time not moving.
Good-intentionally, Qin Wenguo attempted to console him. In reality, though, he seemed to be gloating over Chu Zhaotian’s misfortune.
Despite the visible cordiality, deep down, the top four figures in business management were at odds with each other. They couldn’t stomach anyone’s success, let alone their own misfortune.
Right now, Chu Zhaotian could only grit his teeth and bear it.
Why did Chu Qin do such a monstrous thing!
Furious, he made his way towards the reporters.
Of course, the reporters tightly encircled him, not letting him go.
Bursting with anger, Chu Zhaotian ignored all the reporters’ questions and forcefully pushed his way through the crowd to his car.
He instructed the driver to go straight to the prison in the southern suburbs.
This particular prison generally locked up serious offenders, including several convicted murderers.
After completing a series of procedures, he saw his daughter, Chu Qin.
Chu Qin had only just arrived.
She sat opposite her father.
Without uttering a word, Chu Zhaotian suddenly stood up and slapped her hard across the face.
Chu Qin stared back at her father.
The prison guard quickly intervened, “What are you doing?!”
Chu Zhaotian glared back at the prison guard.
The guard knew who Chu Zhaotian was and hesitatingly took a few steps back.
Chu Zhaotian said, “Chu Qin, from childhood up till now, how did I educate you? With the way you are acting now, this pitiful look you have, do you know how pathetic you seem? Can you comprehend the impact that your recent actions have had on our family and me? What have I been telling you all these years? You even shamelessly seduced Ye Wenhan. Who do you think you are, going after him? Do you think you’re even worthy of him?”
Chu Qin could only feel a burning sting across her face.
Although her father was strict with her growing up, he had never slapped her before.
Maybe it’s because she had never infuriated him to the point of hitting her. He quite possibly feared hurting her.
She quietly said, sarcastically remarking, “Who turned me into this? Isn’t it all because of you!”
“What did you say!” Chu Zhaotian’s voice rang loud in the visiting room, echoing back and forth.
He visibly looked like he might go mad, furiously glaring at his own daughter.
Chu Qin appeared unusually calm as she said, “Throughout my childhood, whenever I didn’t meet your expectations, you would stimulate and insult me with your words, forcing me to strive even harder. For all these years, have you ever cared about my emotional development? All you cared about was how much face I could earn for you!”
“What are you ranting about!”
“What, I struck a nerve, didn’t I?”
“Chu Qin!”
“Chu Zhaotian!” In that moment, Chu Qin was also seemingly on the brink of insanity, standing up passionately from her seat.
She had guessed correctly that the first person to visit her would be her father. However, she was also very clear that he wasn’t there because he was concerned about her. Instead, he merely needed an outlet for his emotions.
Through her entire childhood, when had her father ever truly cared about her?
She even suspected that for the sake of his own interests, he had never seen her as his daughter!
She spat out bitterly, “The reason I am this way, the reason I’ve been manipulated and used by Ye Wenhan, it’s all thanks to you. I’ve hit rock bottom, our family’s reputation is ruined, and you might have even lost your career, all thanks to you. If it hadn’t been for your indifference towards me, I wouldn’t have been drawn in by Ye Wenhan’s feigned affection. He told me he liked me, and I believed him…”
“That’s nothing more than your own stupidity, you knew you were married and yet you let him deceive you, you brought all this on yourself!”
“No!” Chu Qin cried out in desperation, “It’s you, you’ve interfered with my life, you never gave me any warmth since childhood, even forced me to marry a man I didn’t love. You knew that I didn’t have feelings for my current husband, yet you still forced us to stay together. This wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you, such a cold-blooded father. I wouldn’t have fallen so easily for someone’s slight kindness. In the end, you ruined me, our family and yourself too. You’re the one who should bear the regret, you’re the one who should be imprisoned for life!”
Chu Zhaotian raised his arm, ready to slap her again.
The prison guard quickly stepped in to stop him.
Chu Zhaotian stared fiercely at Chu Qin.
In turn, she met his gaze defiantly, fury burning in her eyes. “Chu Zhaotian, after what happened to me, your good days are over too. Given how ruthless Ye Wenhan is, he certainly won’t let you continue in Commercial Management. You better watch out!”
Chu Zhoatian angrily shook free from the prison guard’s grip.
The guard let go of him, standing at alert behind.
Chu Zhaotian declared, “Don’t ever expect me to visit you again, I will not appeal for you. Forty-year sentence, serve it till your death!”
Chu Qin sneered.
She never thought her father would help her.
Once she was used up, she was utterly disposable.
Chu Zhaotian stormed out in fury.
Just like that, he left, without any remorse or sign of his parental affection.
Chu Qin just sneered and sneered.
Suddenly, the iron door of the visitor’s room swung open, and Ye Wenhan emerged.
She kept on sneering.
Looking ghastly.
Ye Wenhan sat down across from her, sitting straight, appearing well-mannered.
She wasn’t sure when, but Ye Wenhan seemed to have gradually taken on the aura of nobility.
She smirked coldly.
All she could think of was Ye Wenhan’s past false feelings for her, his disgusting face, and his deliberately feigned demeanor, contrasted sharply with what he had presented before!
She asked, “What else do you want?”
“Out of humanitarian concern, I came to see you.”
“Humanitarian concern?” Chu Qin scoffed aggressively, “I don’t think you could be so kind!”
“That is true indeed.” Ye Wenhan nodded in agreement.
He just admitted it so bluntly.
Chu Qin asked, “Ye Wenhan, are you not afraid of divine retribution?”
“What am I afraid of! Despite what I’ve done to you, am I not living a joyous life, getting better and better?”
“Ha.” Chu Qin mocked with a cold laugh.
Living a great life now.
Enjoying a great life now.
But one day, one day he’ll be defeated by Song Zhizhi.
“Chu Qin, you don’t need to feel aggrieved, you should feel honored that someone like Ye Wenhan spent this much time on you. Otherwise, a woman like you would never experience what love is, wouldn’t your life feel desolate?”
“How can you shamelessly say such things? I finally understand why Song Zhizhi dumped you, I finally understand! You’re disgusting, truly deserving to be tortured to death without a burial place!”
“How I may end up, that’s my business, you won’t live to see anyway. As for your predicament, it is what it is. You might not know, but have you any idea of the kind of things people are saying about you, and how they are sullying your mother’s name? Remember your malicious words to Song Zhizhi? Do you want to know?”
“Ye Wenhan!”
“Hahaha!” Ye Wenhan’s laughter rang out in the room, utterly manic.
Chu Qin just stared at him, staring hard.
She asked, “What kind of satisfaction do you get from seeing me like this?”
Ye Wenhan’s smile tightened just a bit.
“Seeing me in such a state, does it make you feel better? Is it because you were hit hard by Song Zhizhi that you needed to take it out on me?” Chu Qin asked him.
Ye Wenhan’s expression darkened.
“You thought you could finish off Song Zhizhi this time, but you failed, she is still flaunting in your face. You had no way to vent your frustration, so you sought me out to torture me, to make yourself feel better? But what use does it serve? Song Zhizhi can still play you like a toy!”
“Shut up!” he snarled.
“I am thinking, one day, you will end up in a worse state than I am now, do you believe it or not?” Chu Qin asked in a taunting tone.
“I refuse to believe!” Ye Wenhan shot back, “One day I will make you see, how I get rid of Song Zhizhi!”
Chu Qin looked disgusted.
She didn’t believe it at all.
If he could have killed Song Zhizhi, he would have done it long ago.
There’s no need to keep tripping over Song Zhizhi again and again.
“I am here to tell you that apart from you, your family is going down soon too! Stay here and suffer like hell!”
Ye Wenhan stood up.
Just as he got up, he seemed to think of something, turned his head, and gave a wicked smile, “Right, weren’t you always trying to seduce me?”
Chu Qin’s face changed.
“I’ve prepared a lot for you in here, enjoy it slowly.”
“Ye Wenhan, you beast!” Chu Qin screamed madly.
Ye Wenhan didn’t care and just left.
At that moment, Chu Qin just wished she could rush at Ye Wenhan and fight him to the death, but she was brutally shackled by the prison guards and couldn’t break free at all.
The prison guards dragged Chu Qin into the cell.
Chu Qin was still raging.
Without uttering a word, the guards started to beat her mercilessly.
Although Chu Qin had grown up under her father’s oppression, she had never experienced such brutality. She curled up on the ground, bearing all the pain. In the end, she couldn’t bear it any longer and begged, “Stop, please stop, please don’t hit me again!”
The guards still didn’t seem satisfied and brutally kicked her a few more times.
He roughly squatted down, panting, “Learn this, anyone who comes here must behave, otherwise, there will be more torments like this!”
Chu Qin kept nodding, trembling with fear, “Yes, yes, I understand.”
Only then did the guards leave.
After they left, Chu Qin stared at the ceiling and started crying.
Her sobs were heart-wrenching.
She cried for the pain on her body, her blind eyes, and all the injustices she had suffered.
She never thought that there would be a day when she would be so destitute!
What she had never expected was that there were more brutal things waiting for her!
Outside the prison.
Ye Wenhan returned to his car.
Qian Guanshu asked, “Does she have any leverage on you?”
“I don’t think so.” Ye Wenhan replied.
His visit to Chu Qin was partly out of frustration. After all, Song Zhizhi had managed to escape, and he had to take out his anger on someone. But more importantly, he wanted to be sure that Chu Qin did not have any evidence against him. Surely, after their long undercover involvement, if Chu Qin wanted to get something on him, she could have done it. Therefore, he felt the need to probe. If this woman had anything against him, he would show her no mercy!
“Hmm.” Qian Guanshu coldly acknowledged.
Ye Wenhan was still not quite satisfied, “Now that Song Zhizhi has escaped again, I can already imagine her arrogance.”
“Calm yourself!” Qian Guanshu ordered sharply.
Ye Wenhan fell silent.
“It’s already a stroke of luck that we’ve managed to escape this time, don’t worry about Song Zhizhi not getting her just desserts! What we should do now is stabilize the current situation. Fortunately, we have control over the Milky Way, at least the news won’t be chaotic.”
Ye Wenhan was finding it hard to swallow his anger.
Whenever he thought of Song Zhizhi being arrogant in front of him, he wanted to strangle her.
“As for seeking revenge on Song Zhizhi, no matter what you’re thinking right now, stop it. Don’t worry, I won’t let Song Zhizhi continue like this. As a menace, she’ll be taken care of sooner or later, but at this critical moment, you absolutely cannot act rashly!” Qian Guanshu kept reminding him.
Despite all the discomfort, it was not the time for a confrontation with Song Zhizhi. Obviously, Song Zhizhi was also trying to grab their weak point. If they did anything now, they might trip over. Those who are to achieve great things must learn to be patient. The more desperate the situation, the easier it is to suffer defeat.
He had hidden in Ye Taiting’s side for many years, and it took him so many years to kill Ye Taiting. Why rush for the fall of a Song Zhizhi?
Of course.
While Qian Guanshu’s thoughts were clear, it did not necessarily mean that Ye Wenhan’s were as well.
Right now, all Ye Wenhan could think of was how to make Song Zhizhi die a horrible death, and how to vent his inner anger!
Ji Baijian brought Song Zhizhi home.
Back to their long-lost home.
Tank, their pet, wagged its tail and stuck out its tongue excitedly. Song Zhizhi squatted down and gave the dog a gentle pat.
Tank leaned against her obediently and looked at her with a pleasing face.
Song Zhizhi smiled.
She got up and said to Ji Baijian, “He still recognizes me.”
Ji Baijian gave her an incredulous look.
She had only been gone for a month or two, not a year or two. Besides, dogs are smart.
Given Tank’s age, his intelligence was equivalent to that of a 2-year-old child.
“Let’s go, rest first,” Ji Baijian suggested.
Song Zhizhi nodded and followed Ji Baijian upstairs.
They opened the door to the room upstairs.
Upon opening the door, Song Zhizhi was stunned.
The room was filled with balloons of vibrant colors, layered upon layers. Illuminated by the crystal chandelier, they looked dreamy.
She turned to look at Ji Baijian.
It would be a lie to say she wasn’t moved.
But how did he know that she would definitely come out today?
Ji Baijian said, “Because I couldn’t wait anymore. If you didn’t come out, I might have broken you out of prison myself.”
Meaning he didn’t want to bother with legal proceedings and just wanted to get her out.
Song Zhizhi looked at him.
Her eyes were a bit red.
“Thank you.”
“Silly girl.” Ji Baijian caressed her hair, his fingers tracing her cheek.
Then, slowly, he leaned in.
In truth…
He had been holding back for a long time.
The moment he saw her outside the courtroom, he knew what he wanted to do.
But there were too many people around, he had no choice but to restrain himself.
He held on until they were in the car. He wanted to kiss her, but Wei Ziming was driving. He didn’t want anyone to interrupt them.
So he waited until they were home.
Once they arrived home, and Tank tried to be cute, he found he couldn’t handle it anymore. His heart was racing.
He couldn’t hold back any longer.
In this life, he could only control himself if she was securely in his arms. If she was elsewhere, he would be unable to resist.
As he approached her…
Song Zhizhi suddenly dodged out of the way.
Ji Baijian looked at her.
Song Zhizhi said, “Shower.”
“I don’t mind…”
“I do mind.” Then, Song Zhizhi slammed shut the bathroom door.
Ji Baijian watched her retreating figure.
He took a deep breath.
Deep breaths, then sat quietly on the side of the bed, waiting.
Song Zhizhi looked at herself in the mirror and noticed her rosy cheeks.
She had actually lost a lot of weight.
The lack of good food, sleep, and sunlight in the prison had caused her to lose weight and her complexion to deteriorate.
But at this moment, her face was glowing.
She knew that as long as Ji Baijian was in her world, it was complete.
The night was undeniably deep.
Song Zhizhi was nestled in Ji Baijian’s arms.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the Sky Garden sparkled brightly, and the rare star-studded night sky of Jin City was breath-taking.
Song Zhizhi was so comfy she didn’t even want to move her toes, let alone answer the phone.
She only moved her eyes to look at her continuously ringing phone.
Ji Baijian reluctantly shifted his body and stretched his long arm to pick up Song Zhizhi’s phone. “It’s your brother,” he told her.
Song Zhizhi pursed her lips.
Ji Baijian asked, “Answer it?”
“Mhm.” Song Zhizhi adjusted her body.
Ji Baijian lifted her into his arms.
Song Zhizhi blushed a bit as she picked up her phone and answered, “Bro, did we disturb you guys?” Song Zhidao asked.
Song Zhizhi said, “No.”
Even though she denied it, her face turned red.
“That’s good then, I called you to tell you that father wants you and brother-in-law over for dinner tomorrow.”
Song Zhizhi remained silent.
She seemed very quiet.
Ji Baijian didn’t offer any advice either.
Song Zhidao said, “Either way, see what dad says tomorrow. Whether or not you forgive him, I’m on your side.”
“Okay, I’ll come back tomorrow.” Song Zhizhi nodded.
“Good, I’ll let dad know. He’s afraid you won’t come back.”
“Mhm.”
Hanging up the phone, Song Zhizhi shared with Ji Baijian, “My dad wants us to come over for dinner tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
“What should I do?” Song Zhizhi leaned on Ji Baijian’s shoulder with her face against his neck.
She watched his throbbing artery, noticed the strength in his movements.
She watched his throat as he spoke.
When she was in prison, she was truly scared. She was afraid she would never be able to leave, that she would no longer be able to lie in Ji Baijian’s warm embrace.
She heard his deep magnetic voice say, “You’re clear about whether you can actually hold a grudge against your father.”
“But it’s hard to ignore the chilliness.”
“So you can act high and mighty, and have your father bow down to you.” Ji Baijian chuckled.
“Are you planning on doing this to your dad?” Song Zhizhi asked.
Didn’t the reporters say today that Ji Baijian’s father forced Ji Baijian to divorce her?!
“No.” Ji Baijian said with a smile, “My dad has never been overbearing in front of me.”
“You… are amazing!” Song Zhizhi admired.
“Anyway, I’ve been around longer than he has!”
“So you don’t consider your dad a dad, but like your… little brother?!”
“If you want to put it like that, I can accept.”
Song Zhizhi pouted.
This guy, claiming all the benefits and acting innocent.
“Actually…” Ji Baijian held Song Zhizhi tighter.
“Hmm?” Song Zhizhi looked up at him.
“Actually, I think you shouldn’t tolerate your dad’s behavior. You can’t turn a blind eye to where he went wrong.”
“Are you referring to something specific?” Song Zhizhi asked.
Ji Baijian smiled but didn’t respond further.
Song Zhizhi could vaguely perceive some of her dad’s chilling behaviors.
The two of them embraced for quite a while.
Suddenly, Ji Baijian let her go and put on his clothes.
“Where are you going this late?”
“I’m going to get something for you to eat.”
Only then did Song Zhizhi realize that she hadn’t eaten all day.
He said, “Wait for me here.”
“Okay.” Song Zhizhi nodded.
Ji Baijian left the room.
Song Zhizhi just lay on the bed, looking at the red balloons scattered around the room and the shimmering lights. Such a meticulously designed room, full of romance, was all given to her by Ji Baijian.
She just looked, her heart warming at everything in front of her.
Her eyelids were heavy.
She hadn’t had a good sleep in prison and had been busy all day today. There were several times when she almost passed out from sleepiness, but she held on for fear of hurting Ji Baijian’s male pride. Then at this moment, she really just closed her eyes and fell asleep.
When Ji Baijian reappeared in front of Song Zhizhi holding a bowl of egg noodles, he saw that she was lying on the bed, her snow-white arm exposed, sleeping soundly.
His heart fluttered slightly.
He put the noodles aside and leaned towards her sleeping face.
His fingers gently brushed the hair off her face.
She really had lost a lot of weight, so much that he wished he could give her some of his own fat.
He bowed his head.
He planted a kiss on her forehead.
From now on, he would never let her suffer such humiliation again.
As for Qian Guanshu and Ye Wenhan, the two had been causing trouble for too long.
He knew very well that under the current circumstances, Qian Guanshu would definitely not take the initiative to strike. He was afraid that he might fall into a trap set by him, so he wouldn’t act rashly.
Qian Guanshu had some capabilities for letting himself develop to this point. But everything Ye Wenhan got was handed to him on a silver platter. He didn’t have his sophistication, so he wouldn’t be able to resist acting!
He got up, planning to leave so Song Zhizhi could get some good sleep.
Song Zhizhi suddenly grabbed his arm.
Ji Baijian looked at her.
She said, “Don’t leave, Ji Baijian.”
A smile tugged at Ji Baijian’s mouth.
He couldn’t refuse any of Song Zhizhi’s requests. He lay down next to her and held her tight.
When she woke up from her sleep.
Song Zhizhi was definitely roused by hunger.
She even thought she was hypoglycemic. Going to the bathroom was only because Ji Baijian exploded her out of bed, so embarrassed!
She slumped on the bed. Luckily, Ji Baijian got up half an hour earlier and had already made some nourishing porridge for her, and now he was feeding her, spoonful by spoonful.
“It’s my fault.” Ji Baijian gently fed her while saying so.
Song Zhizhi thought she had never savored such delicious porridge before, and ate earnestly.
As Song Zhizhi consumed the porridge, her face turned red. She said, “I think it’s great.”
Ji Baijian looked at her.
Full of… restless feelings.
Luckily.
They had things to do today, so they weren’t completely wrapped up in their warm, romantic world.
After having breakfast and sleeping a bit more to recharge, Song Zhizhi finally got up leisurely to change clothes and prepare to return to the Song Family Mansion.
Winter had already begun in Jin City. The weather was noticeably colder than before, and Song Zhizhi chose a slightly thick coat.
At that slightly uncomfortable moment, the door to the cloakroom was suddenly opened.
Ji Baijian’s eyes paused for a moment.
Song Zhizhi was a bit embarrassed, but they were a married couple, so it didn’t have to be so exaggerated.
At that moment, it seemed Ji Baijian saw through Song Zhizhi’s thoughts. He said, “My wife is fine however she is.”
“No, I’ll definitely gain the weight back!”
“I’m willing to help you in every way I can.”
Ji Baijian said, “Your brother is calling you again, probably fearing you won’t return.”
“Don’t they know that I have my own boundaries, too?”
“Whatever my lady says is always right. I’ll await outside for you.”
With that, Ji Baijian stepped out.
Song Zhizhi didn’t hesitate any longer. She quickly changed her clothes, put on a light touch of makeup, and left with Ji Baijian to visit the Song Family compound.
The car arrived at the front gate.
Ji Baijian got out of the car.
Song Zhizhi hesitated slightly.
Ji Baijian did not rush her.
Slowly, Song Zhizhi also exited the car.
Together, they walked into the lobby.
Song Shan was seated on the sofa in the lobby, Song Zhidao was next to him. Seeing their return, Song Shan’s face subtly changed, whereas Song Zhidao smiled unperturbedly, “Sister, brother-in-law, you’re back.”
Song Zhizhi merely nodded slightly.
Ji Baijian also nodded.
They walked towards the sofa.
Song Zhizhi didn’t initiate a conversation with Song Shan.
Neither did Song Shan spontaneously begin talking.
The atmosphere was obviously tense.
Song Zhidao stood up from the sofa. “Brother-in-law, let’s go outside for a smoke.”
He was clearly trying to give his sister and father some space to talk privately.
Ji Baijian understood the hint; he got up and left the lobby with Song Zhidao.
At the seats in the backyard, Song Zhidao offered Ji Baijian a cigarette.
Ji Baijian declined.
“I remember you used to smoke.” Song Zhidao lit one for himself.
Ji Baijian replied, “Trying to quit.”
“Oh…” Song Zhidao said meaningfully, “You and my sister make a good pair.”
“Hmm.” Ji Baijian nodded.
“I’m really envious.”
“Not getting along well with Jun Mingxi?”
“Not that, it’s just that our mutual interests are too obvious, it’s hard to feel anything.” Song Zhidao confessed.”
“Then why insist on dating her?”
“Because…” Song Zhidao paused, “Because of those interests.”
That was it, no further elaboration.
Ji Baijian calmly remarked, “Song Zhidao, I think you have a clearer perspective than your father sometimes.”
Song Zhidao was taken aback.
He had always felt that Ji Baijian was somewhat cold and aloof, but there’s no denying his remarkable abilities. Even though he felt that Baijian was a bit arrogant, he had a favorable impression of him. He felt lucky to have him as his brother-in-law.
He never imagined that Ji Baijian would compliment him like this.
This should be a compliment, right?
“It’s not necessarily a good thing for your father to be so extreme sometimes. I’m not just criticizing his handling Song Zhizhi’s matters, rather everyone’s matters. I’m sure you understand what I mean.”
Song Zhidao did not respond.
But he understood clearly. Everyone knew his father was extremely ambitious, only his father thought he had masked that well.
“Not to say more, I’m a junior and naturally don’t criticize my elders. I hope no such incidents will reoccur in the future. Family bonds are precious, this time, Song Zhizhi won’t hold it against it. But next time, or the time after, no one knows the extent of a person’s patience. I just hope your father won’t continue to hurt someone who genuinely wishes him well, it’s not worth it.”
“I understand your sentiments and I will try to convince my father about it.” Song Zhidao asserted confidently.
Ji Baijian nodded slightly.
Song Zhidao took a hefty puff from his cigarette.
He had long felt uncomfortable with his father’s behavior. But considering his father’s genuine care for him, everything he had done had seemingly been for his benefit. As a result, Song Zhidao had often found himself in a situation where he had to compromise and assist his father. Ji Baijian was right; family bonds are truly important.
In the pursuit of power and status, to hurt family, it’s simply not worth it.
And to his own surprise, his father’s desire had become so intense that even he himself was helpless!