Chapter 75

Two years had passed, and the benefit of growing taller was that the lab's elevated platform felt lower, and Ji Nian had also gained more strength, allowing her to complete many tasks independently. The Ji family had grown accustomed to Ji Nian frequently retreating to her secret base. Except for Ji Tingzhou, no one else knew the true nature of the place. Though she couldn't boast about it, the fact that only Ji Tingzhou was in on the secret gave her a sense of satisfaction, and she became even more meticulous about keeping it under wraps. Ji Tingzhou believed Ji Nian was working on research that, if revealed, would drive people wild—a potent antidote for deadly poisons. In reality, Ji Nian's research— "This rabbit isn't cutting it. Why does it still have external hemorrhoids?" After observing the condition of the lab rabbit, Ji Nian tossed it back into its cage in disdain. She marked the rabbit's data with a big red cross. "Still, external hemorrhoids shouldn't go to waste. Let's inject some of the 011 solution to test its effects." 011 was the toxic agent that had once tormented Old Lady Gu, causing black, mold-like spots to grow on her skin. But in truth— Ji Nian's original goal in creating 011 was simply to inject it into hemorrhoids, hoping to make them grow hair so they'd resemble tails. The end result, however, was slightly off—it ended up looking more like a deadly weapon... The system remarked dryly: *[If the people from Vengeance found out that their deadly weapon was originally created to make hemorrhoids grow hair, I wonder how they'd feel.]* Speaking of Vengeance, Ji Nian was fuming. She had finally managed to extract from Ji Tingzhou the identity of the culprit who had used her poison to harm others. Just as she was gearing up to exact revenge— Poof! The guy vanished. For the past two years, he had been completely silent, as if he'd disappeared off the face of the earth, causing no further trouble. Ji Nian was so angry that she polished off two large bowls of rice that night. After leaving the lab, Ji Nian climbed into the car heading back to the main building with practiced ease. But before she could settle into her seat, she noticed someone else in the car. The man was dressed in lightweight, high-quality summer casual wear, lounging casually against the seat with his chin resting on his hand. His deep-set eyes, a shade of dark green, glimmered with faint light as he looked her way. Ji Nian gulped audibly. Even after two years, she hadn't grown tired of her father's face. In fact, she found him more handsome than ever. Seeing her unimpressive reaction, Ji Tingzhou casually beckoned her over. "Come here." Ji Nian scurried over and sat down beside him, grinning brightly. Her eyes, the same dark green as his, sparkled with mischief. "What's up, Dad~" Noticing her cheerful expression, Ji Tingzhou's lips curled into a faint smile. Ji Nian immediately sensed something was off—he looked like he was up to no good. Sure enough, Ji Tingzhou spoke in a soft, gentle tone: "Your teacher called me. She said you gave yourself the English name 'J·D.'" "Don't tell me it's short for 'jeebadaughter.'" Ji Nian's smile vanished instantly. She dashed out of the car, putting some distance between them before turning around to stick her tongue out at Ji Tingzhou, who was just stepping out. "Hehe, it's J·D, and that's final!" With that, she turned and ran, confident that Ji Tingzhou, with his image to uphold, wouldn't chase after her. "Ji Nian!" Hearing her father's exasperated shout from behind, Ji Nian burst into uncontrollable laughter. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" As she rounded the corner, Zhiliao appeared, holding a set of clean clothes for Ji Nian, her expression soft. "Slow down." "Got it, Zhiliao jie!" After dinner, Ji Nian finished her homework with Shen Qingtang, played for a while, and then it was time for bed. Ji Nian changed into her pajamas and was about to climb into bed when Ji Tingzhou emerged from the bathroom. He was still slightly damp, his hair half-dry, and carried the faint scent of his shower gel. Seeing the child leap onto the bed and roll around with her beloved chicken-shaped pillow, a flicker of amusement crossed his eyes. But the amusement faded quickly. Looking at Ji Nian, who had shot up in height and was no longer the tiny child from two years ago but now a slightly taller version of her former self, Ji Tingzhou walked over and lifted her up. "Starting today, you'll sleep in your own room." Ji Nian's room had been renovated a year ago but had remained unoccupied. Hearing this, Ji Nian felt as if a thunderbolt had struck her. "Huh?" Ji Tingzhou pinched her cheek gently. "You're seven years old now, a big girl. You can't keep sleeping with your dad." Ji Nian: *I refuse to open my eyes. Maybe this is just a bad dream~* *Dear Dad, if I told you I'm actually twenty-seven, would you believe me?* Ji Tingzhou, of course, didn't pick up on this. He simply carried her to the door and set her down. "Dad~ How will you sleep without me!?" Realizing he was serious, Ji Nian blinked at him pitifully. Ji Tingzhou remained unmoved. "The incense you made works wonders. I'll be fine with that." *Curse that incense! I never should've made it!* Ji Nian pouted, then reluctantly accepted her fate. She hesitated before handing him her chicken pillow. "Then... take this. Let it keep you company instead of me." Ji Tingzhou's heart softened instantly. He hated to part with her too, but some boundaries needed to be set. With a resigned sigh, Ji Tingzhou tucked the pillow under one arm and scooped Ji Nian up with the other. "I'll stay with you until you fall asleep, then I'll leave." Ji Nian thought this was a fair compromise and happily wrapped her arms around his neck. "Yay!" She always knew her dear "Princess Zhouzhou" was the best~