Chapter 225

Words : 1165 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

Hearing Ji Nian's words, Lu Jinghuai simply smiled at her. Ji Nian had only just thought of it. Due to his injuries, he hadn’t attended school for the past few years, staying at home all the time and unable to make friends. Despite enduring abuse and the grueling mental rehabilitation process that most people couldn’t bear at such a young age, his temperament remained gentle and considerate. It was truly rare. Lu Jinghuai had already followed Zhiliao away, but Ji Nian continued staring absently in the direction he had left. Ji Tingzhou couldn’t help but curl his fingers and lightly tap her head. "Good-looking?" Snapping out of her daze, Ji Nian blurted out without hesitation, "Not as good-looking as Dad." Praising Ji Tingzhou had almost become second nature to her. "Hmph." Ji Tingzhou gave a light scoff and turned to leave. He had an online meeting to attend later, so he didn’t press further about Ji Nian’s lingering gaze at the "blondie." Once he was gone, Shen Qingtang sidled over, patting Ji Nian’s shoulder with an expression that said, "I get it." "Only natural." Ji Nian nodded emphatically, echoing with conviction, "Only natural." "How did you run into the little royal descendant?" Ji Nian explained their encounter and even lowered her voice to grumble about how Ji Tingzhou’s forgetfulness had caused such a mess. "A whole day?" Hearing that Lu Jinghuai had waited at the school gates for an entire day, Shen Qingtang’s eyes widened slightly. Ji Nian nodded firmly. "The little royal descendant doesn’t seem like..." Someone so stubborn. With his mild-mannered demeanor and soft-spoken words, he seemed easygoing, yet he turned out to be unexpectedly persistent in certain matters. "Will Li Yuan really drop out?" Shen Qingtang abruptly changed the subject. The warmth in Ji Nian’s eyes cooled, but it returned to normal when she turned to Shen Qingtang. "Most likely." Zuo Yi had followed her instructions—Li Yuan wouldn’t be appearing again, and his father had already promised to withdraw him voluntarily. Shen Qingtang seemed relieved, exhaling softly. "Good." At least he wouldn’t be around to bother Ji Nian anymore. "I’m heading upstairs to take a shower." Ji Nian sat back down and noticed a phone with a pink case lying nearby. It was Shen Qingtang’s—she’d forgotten it. Fishing it out from between the couch cushions, Ji Nian flipped it over, and the screen lit up at her touch. Shen Qingtang’s lock screen was a photo of the three of them—taken during their summer trip to an island last year. Ji Nian and Shen Qingtang were making heart signs at the camera, while Gu Xiuyuan stood beside them holding a coconut and flashing a peace sign. A small smile tugged at Ji Nian’s lips. Before she could lock the screen, the phone suddenly vibrated violently, bombarding her with a flurry of text messages. : You think blocking one number stops me? Useless! : Ugh, why can’t you just disappear? Everything revolves around you—like you’re the center of the universe! : Die, just die! Why won’t you just die!! : It’s all your fault! Without you, I could’ve been such a happy girl! [Who is this?] Ji Nian’s eyes narrowed. Just as they got rid of Li Yuan, another nuisance popped up? System: [Your concern is valid.] [As the female lead, trouble will find her even if she does nothing.] Ji Nian lowered her gaze, swiftly typing in the passcode to unlock the phone and access the messages. The sender was still spamming. Ji Nian memorized the number, blocked it, and deleted all traces of the messages. Once done, she locked Shen Qingtang’s phone again. When she returned the phone, Shen Qingtang was still in the shower. Ji Nian called out to her from outside the bathroom and left it on the table. Stepping out, she immediately sent a message to Zuo Yi: : Track this number for me Then forwarded the memorized digits. Knowing he was in a meeting and wouldn’t reply immediately, Ji Nian didn’t mind. [So, Shen Qingtang’s recent mood swings are because of this person.] Jealous that the female lead is universally adored? She mentally sifted through possible suspects but couldn’t pinpoint anyone. Da Dan was curled up in his favorite spot on the balcony, enjoying the breeze. Hearing footsteps, he lazily cracked an eye open. Spotting Ji Nian, he stuck out his tongue at her. Sitting beside him, Ji Nian scratched behind his ears. "The nutritionist said you had a good appetite today." "Good boy, Da Dan. Such a well-behaved pup, eating all your meals." Da Dan wagged his tail, eyes crinkling as if he understood the praise. Hugging his furry head, Ji Nian’s gaze drifted downward, catching a glint of gold. She leaned forward, squinting for a better look. It was Zhiliao returning with the little royal descendant. Ji Nian had intended to watch quietly, but for some reason, despite the secluded spot, Lu Jinghuai suddenly paused mid-step. His eyes lifted, locking directly onto hers through the railing gaps. Startled, Ji Nian reflexively tightened her grip. Da Dan let out a low whine, snapping her back to reality. She quickly loosened her hold, rubbing his fluffy neck apologetically. By the time Lu Jinghuai entered, Ji Nian had already gone downstairs. With rare guests at the Ji household, the chefs were in the kitchen, enthusiastically showcasing their skills to uphold the family’s culinary reputation—delaying dinner slightly. "Welcome back." Zhiliao ruffled the boy’s hair. "We visited the flowerbed you planted with the family head." Seven years ago, Ji Nian and Ji Tingzhou had planted that flowerbed together. Generations of blossoms had come and gone since, and now, at peak season, the fragrance clung to Lu Jinghuai’s clothes. Just his presence made Ji Nian feel as if she could see that familiar sea of flowers. "Dad and I planted those together. The left side is mine." Lu Jinghuai said they were beautiful and smelled wonderful. Ji Nian grinned foolishly before suddenly remembering something. "Dinner’s still a while. There’s something I want to show you." She glanced at Zhiliao, who stood nearby. Understanding the unspoken request for privacy, Zhiliao nodded. "I’ll check on the kitchen." Ji Nian blinked, her eyes silently conveying, 'Zhiliao, you’re the best.' "What is it?" Only after Zhiliao left did Lu Jinghuai step closer, his expression a mix of curiosity and polite interest. "Come on, to my room." She beckoned, leading him toward her bedroom. When she didn’t elaborate, Lu Jinghuai didn’t press further—as if he’d willingly slip a noose around his own neck if she decided to sell him off. Entering her room, before Lu Jinghuai could take in the furnishings, Ji Nian guided him toward the innermost cabinet. Standing on tiptoe, she retrieved something from the top shelf and turned to show him. In her hands was the box Lu Jinghuai had entrusted to Lu Zhi years ago—the one meant for Ji Tingzhou to deliver to Ji Nian. Inside was a tiny fairy that only danced at night.

Chapter 225

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