Chapter 204

Words : 1127 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

An hour earlier. After Ji Tingzhou unilaterally finished his conversation with the two elders of the Chen Family, he arranged for them to be sent back. Returning to his room, Ji Tingzhou studied the blueprint he had just completed and, after a moment of contemplation, decided to begin constructing the frame. However, the bamboo strips intended for the frame weren’t the right size. After some thought, he changed locations and used tools to trim them down. Rarely one to take initiative in such tasks, Zhiliao had prepared a set of carpentry clothes and an apron for him. Ji Tingzhou, wary of the sun, set up a parasol outdoors before finally getting to work. Old Master Chen, exhausted from searching the building without finding anyone, asked the servants, but none knew Ji Tingzhou’s whereabouts. By chance, he glanced out the floor-to-ceiling window and spotted Ji Tingzhou outside. "Took me forever to find you," he muttered. Stubborn despite his back pain, the old man slowly made his way down step by step. Zhiliao, informed by the servants, worried he might collapse on the Ji Family’s property and sent a wheelchair instead. Old Master Chen could now move around on his own. She also inquired about his departure, to which he replied he’d leave soon. Ji Tingzhou was wrestling with a wooden strip when he heard footsteps rustling through the grass behind him. He didn’t turn around. After a while, the footsteps stopped. "You’re making a paper lantern?" Old Master Chen glanced at the bamboo strips Ji Tingzhou had already trimmed to size and immediately recognized the project. Hearing his voice, Ji Tingzhou paused briefly. Was this such a common craft that the old man could tell at a glance? The sight of Ji Tingzhou—who had appeared untouchable and imposing during their earlier confrontation—now rolling up his sleeves and sawing wood was a stark contrast. The dissonance made Old Master Chen feel like he was seeing an illusion. His gaze fell on Ji Tingzhou’s pale arms, untouched by sunlight, marred by scars that, though old, remained starkly visible. Just this small glimpse made him wonder how many more wounds lay hidden beneath the sleeves. Noticing his stare, Ji Tingzhou casually pulled his sleeves back down. "Something you need?" He wasn’t deliberately hiding the scars—he usually covered them to avoid unnecessary questions. But the way Old Master Chen looked at them, as if he might burst into tears any second, made Ji Tingzhou feel... disgusted. "...This is for Ji Nian, isn’t it?" "That saw’s only good for rough work. For the frame, you’ll need a steel file. Otherwise, the bamboo strips will be hard to trim when they get smaller." From the way Old Master Chen spoke, it was clear he knew what he was doing. Ji Tingzhou was surprised. Sensing his skepticism, the old man wheeled closer and scoffed. "Xinxin and Tiaotiao loved the lanterns I made when they were kids. Our Chen Family ancestors were craftsmen of this trade." Tiaotiao was Chen Mo’s childhood nickname. As he grew older, he found it embarrassing and protested whenever his parents used it. By sixteen, he’d forbidden the family from calling him that. Only Old Master Chen stubbornly refused to comply. Lucky for Ji Tingzhou. He could already imagine the look on Chen Mo’s face the next time he called him Tiaotiao. The thought alone improved his mood, making Old Master Chen seem almost tolerable. "Fitting," Ji Tingzhou nodded, acknowledging the Chen Family’s ancestral craft. With Old Master Chen’s temperament, he’d have made a fine eccentric artisan. Not being a professional, Ji Tingzhou worked mostly by instinct. Instead of sending Old Master Chen away, he let him take the lead. Ji Tingzhou wasn’t the type to arrogantly assume he was always right—in unfamiliar territory, he was willing to learn. This trait traced back to when he was ten, enduring beatings and insults while hiding in corners, silently observing others’ skills under the scorching sun or pouring rain, his face swollen from insect bites. Once the bamboo strips were ready, Ji Tingzhou gathered his materials and headed back inside, Old Master Chen following. After a moment’s hesitation, and under the stunned gazes of others, he allowed the old man into his room. Though not before subjecting him to a thorough disinfection at the door. Old Master Chen: "......" Perhaps because it was a rare chance to showcase his expertise—or maybe because it brought back memories—the old man didn’t complain. Strangely, the two temperamental fathers found harmony in crafting a lantern together. "If you’re going for this design, why not make a goldfish lantern? Their tails sway—it’s quite striking." Old Master Chen studied the blueprint on the table thoughtfully. Ji Tingzhou lifted his eyelids. "Too difficult?" "No, it’s doable. Just not as bold as a goldfish." "Mm." As long as it was possible, Ji Tingzhou was satisfied. He began assembling the frame. Old Master Chen didn’t interfere, only offering occasional advice when Ji Tingzhou paused. The atmosphere remained unexpectedly peaceful. Outside the door, Old Lady Chen and Wei Yang pressed their ears against it, listening. "They’re not fighting." "It’s ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍eerily quiet." Zhiliao cleared her throat behind them. Wei Yang startled, forcing a sheepish smile while internally panicking. This was bad. Were the two inside negotiating Ji Nian’s future with the Chen Family? Wei Yang was burning with anxiety, wondering how Zhiliao could stay so calm. Ji Nian couldn’t leave!!! Ji Tingzhou had barred anyone from approaching the room, leaving Wei Yang no chance to beg or plead. He was so frantic he could barely hold it together. Just then, Zhiliao’s phone rang. "Hello? I couldn’t reach Mr. Ji—Ji Nian’s in trouble..." Her composed expression shattered in an instant. Wei Yang, noticing the shift, immediately knew something was wrong. "What happened?" Zhiliao’s voice was icy. "Ji Nian’s hurt." Wei Yang’s face darkened. Without another word, he slammed his hand against Ji Tingzhou’s door. The moment Ji Tingzhou’s voice sounded from inside, Wei Yang barged in— ... A group carried a stretcher toward the infirmary, drawing stares—especially with Ji Nian trailing behind, bleeding. A second-year student who recognized Ji Nian’s distinctive green eyes rubbed his face in disbelief before sprinting toward the basketball court. "Gu Xiuyuan!!! Your cow’s in trouble!!!" The perfect three-pointer veered off course, clanging against the rim before dropping. Gu Xiuyuan turned sharply toward the voice. "What?" Once he understood, he took off toward the infirmary without hesitation. Damn it. Ji Nian, Shen Qingtang, and even He Xiang were all aware of the situation—how was it that Gu Xiuyuan was the only one left in the dark? If it weren’t for the fact that his father would beat him half to death, Gu Xiuyuan would seriously consider repeating a grade just to stay.

Chapter 204

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