Chapter 22

As the night deepened, while most people drifted into slumber, someone gazed at the nightscape until dawn. The next day, seeing the familiar red veins in Ji Tingzhou's eyes, Zhiliao sighed inwardly. "Where would the head of the household like to dine?" With dark circles under his eyes and an aura of restlessness, Ji Tingzhou replied hoarsely, "Anywhere." Zhiliao nodded and led Ji Tingzhou downstairs to the large dining room. Unaware of Ji Tingzhou's dining schedule, the nanny had woken Shen Qingtang early. The little girl sat straight-backed at the table, sneaking a yawn. "Thank you, sister," she said when a maid poured her a glass of milk. Smelling the aroma, Shen Qingtang looked up and smiled at the maid. The maid's heart melted at the sight. How adorable. It seemed she wasn't the only one who thought so. Everyone gathered around Shen Qingtang, kindly and curiously observing the head of the household's adopted daughter. Behind her, the nanny watched closely as Shen Qingtang tried her best to present her most polite and charming self, smiling constantly. When Ji Tingzhou arrived, her eyes lit up, and she jumped down to run over. "Good morning, Uncle Ji!" she exclaimed. Ji Tingzhou, seeing the child running towards him, felt even more irritable. "Mmm," he responded coldly, bypassing Shen Qingtang to take his seat. Zhiliao noticed Shen Qingtang's face pale, her expression one of worry, as if she thought she had done something wrong. "The head of the household is not in a good mood, it's not directed at you," Zhiliao explained. Shen Qingtang, hearing this, still felt uneasy. Ji Tingzhou sat in his seat, glancing at the breakfast before him. A tempting tomato and tofu thick soup, its sweet and sour aroma wafting up, and a colorful, fragrant hand-held sandwich sat beside it. But upon seeing it, Ji Tingzhou felt a wave of nausea, his stomach churning. He frowned. Shen Qingtang, noticing this, asked concernedly, "Uncle Ji, are you feeling unwell?" Her eyes full of concern, she set aside her own breakfast, ignoring it. At just five years old, she was already so attuned to others' emotions. No wonder she was Shen Rushan's daughter. "If you're not feeling well, Uncle Ji, you should see a doctor. You mustn't neglect your health," she said earnestly. The nanny behind her smiled with approval. Ji Tingzhou, tossing his fork aside, replied indifferently, "Just not hungry." Shen Qingtang had always been praised since she was young. For some reason, she naturally gained others' favor. Being a child who lacked love, she always sought affirmation from others' affection. But since coming to the Ji Family, everyone had been kind to her, but this fondness, with Ji Nian as a contrast, didn't feel as intense. Although she had only met Ji Nian twice, she often heard about her from others. This made Shen Qingtang feel a bit defeated. After finishing breakfast, with the nanny's permission, Shen Qingtang went to find Ji Tingzhou. The man lounged lazily on the sofa, his dark hair spilling over a crimson pillow, his brows slightly furrowed, half-closed eyes. Shen Qingtang tiptoed over, but before she could get far, he opened his eyes. The dense negative emotions in his emerald gaze almost made her retreat. But thinking of Ji Tingzhou as the man she relied on, she mustered her courage and approached. Under Ji Tingzhou's intimidating gaze, she placed her hands on his temples and gently massaged. "If Uncle Ji feels uncomfortable, Tangtang can help you massage. I'm very good at it, the aunties all praise me for learning well." Before she could massage for long, Ji Tingzhou stood up, his voice irritable. "Why are you learning this?" This wasn't something a child should be learning. Shen Qingtang froze, not expecting this question. It was the auntie who taught her... Before she could stammer a reply, Ji Tingzhou had someone take her away, then turned and left. Shen Qingtang's expression was hurt. Then she silently encouraged herself. It's okay, Uncle Ji is just not feeling well, he doesn't dislike me. There's still plenty of time. She can make Uncle Ji like her, and then she'll have a father! In her vague memories was the warm embrace of Shen Rushan, the first impression of the word 'father' for her. Shen Qingtang still didn't fully understand what 'passing away' meant, but she knew she would never see that vague figure again. It's okay, she has a new father now. That warmth will return. ... Ji Tingzhou changed into an outfit for going out to attend Wei Yang's mother's funeral. As soon as he got in the car, he was met with the sight of Ji Nian sitting in a child seat, her own frequently-seen emerald eyes staring back at him. As if completely unaware of having annoyed him, the child pulled the lollipop out of her mouth and waved at him. "You're here." It was as if she were the host of the place. Ji Tingzhou should have turned around and taken another car, but when his gaze landed on Ji Nian's bandaged hand, he frowned deeply.