Ji Residence.
Madam Ji was delighted to see her son return and instructed the servants to prepare a lavish meal.
Since Ji Zhi Xiu took over full management of the Ji Corporation, Old Master Ji had no longer interfered with company affairs.
Aside from Ji Zhi Xiu, the Ji family were all idle.
The Old Master was getting on in years, and Ji Zhi Xiu wanted him to rest and travel, to avoid overexertion.
Seeing his grandson return, the Old Master smiled, his eye-wrinkles deepening. "Xiu'er."
"I'm here, Grandpa."
"Busy lately? You need to handle work, but don't neglect your personal life either. Take care of your health." The Old Master patted his shoulder and gestured for him to sit.
Ji Zhi Xiu sat upright on the sofa, flipped his wrist, poured a cup of tea, and offered it with both hands. "Thank you for your concern, Grandpa. The company is doing alright, not too busy."
As Xiu'er grew older, he became more reserved, unwilling to share his inner thoughts. The Old Master sighed inwardly and took a small sip of tea. "About Zhi Lan's recent affairs, I know you've been worried."
"She's my sister, it's only right that I look after her." Ji Zhi Xiu's expression remained unruffled. He turned and asked, "Where is she?"
"Upstairs. Xiu'er, Zhi Lan's marriage was a warning for you. I won't interfere with your future wife, but she must be worthy of the title of Mrs. Ji. Do you understand?"
Although the Old Master was past sixty, his commanding presence remained undiminished.
Ji Zhi Xiu's long fingers paused. He looked up, his gaze meeting his grandfather's. They remained silent for a long time. Finally, Ji Zhi Xiu nodded. "I understand, Grandpa."
The Old Master smiled. "That's good. Now, go find Zhi Lan."
Ji Zhi Xiu stood up. "Alright."
He went upstairs and knocked on Ji Zhi Lan's door. Ji Zhi Lan was putting on makeup; she had plans to meet friends that evening.
Returning to single life as the eldest daughter of the Ji family was incredibly joyful. She could play with whomever she pleased, living freely and unburdened by a nagging mother-in-law or Jiang Cheng's incessant chatter.
She dropped her makeup brush and turned. "Mom, I told you I wouldn't be home for dinner."
"It's me."
Ji Zhi Lan opened the door. "Brother."
"I have something to tell you."
Ji Zhi Lan stepped aside, inviting him in. "Actually, I have something to tell you too. Come in, Brother."
"No need. What is it you want to say?" Ji Zhi Xiu asked.
Ji Zhi Lan suddenly became shy. Ji Zhi Xiu raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"
"Brother... can you give Xiang Long to me?" she looked up, a flicker of hope in her eyes.
"I know Xiang Long is your capable subordinate, but you have so many others, you won't miss him. It would be better if Xiang Long stayed by my side to protect me."
Ji Zhi Xiu remained silent.
Ji Zhi Lan felt uneasy. Her brother usually wouldn't refuse her... but his stern expression was quite intimidating.
"Brother... say something?"
Ji Zhi Lan narrowed her long, slender eyes and studied him. "Where is Xiang Long?"
"He's out," Ji Zhi Lan bit her lip. "I sent him out to buy something for me."
"We'll discuss this when he returns."
This was neither a yes nor a no, meaning there was still hope. She nodded. "Alright."
Ji Zhi Lan canceled her evening plans; she would wait for Xiang Long to return.
Madam Ji saw that Ji Zhi Xiu hadn't left after dinner and beamed. "Are you staying here tonight? I've already had your room cleaned."
Ji Zhi Xiu shook his head. "No need, Mom. I'm waiting for Xiang Long."
Madam Ji found it odd. "Xiang Long is your man; he can find you. Why do you need to wait for him?"
Ji Zhi Xiu said with a half-smile, "Zhi Lan wants me to give Xiang Long to her."
Madam Ji frowned and looked at Ji Zhi Lan. "What are you up to?"
Xiang Long was a man personally trained by Ji Zhi Xiu, far from ordinary.
Ji Zhi Lan hooked her arm around Madam Ji's. Clearing her throat, she said, "Mom, you've seen how Xiang Long has been protecting and taking care of me lately. He's honest, upright, and skilled. I want to marry him, what do you think? I'm not asking for a wealthy heir anymore, just a normal person to live a good life with."
"If I have done anything to offend Miss, I beg her forgiveness. Xiang Long was ordered to protect Miss and has no other intentions. I would not dare to aspire to Miss's hand. Miss is talented and virtuous and will surely find a good match."
Xiang Long, just entering the door, overheard this. He quickly put down his things and bowed, his hands clasped.
He was not a man of few words; his usual silence stemmed from disinterest. To speak so much at once indicated genuine reluctance.
Ji Zhi Lan's face turned pale. This direct rejection felt like a slap to her face, burning hot.
Ji Zhi Xiu glanced at her. "You see? I let Xiang Long choose for himself."
"Xiang Long! Being with me wouldn't inconvenience you!" Ji Zhi Lan said in exasperation.
Xiang Long took a step back. "Being with Miss is certainly not an inconvenience, but I am unworthy."
"If I say you are worthy, then you are."
Madam Ji looked at Ji Zhi Lan and called her name. "Zhi Lan."
Ji Zhi Lan fell silent, still feeling resentful.
Ji Zhi Xiu stood up. "I'm leaving. And I'm taking Xiang Long with me."
Xiang Long quickly followed behind him.
Ji Zhi Lan watched them walk away, pouting. "Mom! Why didn't you speak up for me just now?"
"Can't you see he's unwilling?"
"I know, but so what? Marrying me wouldn't inconvenience him!"
Madam Ji tapped her daughter's head. "You. There are so many good men out there; why are you fixated on your brother's subordinate?"
"I like Xiang Long, and I feel very safe when he protects me."
"Someone else could do the same."
"I don't care, I want him."
"Then think about it." Madam Ji, unable to reason with her, took a cup of herbal tea and went upstairs.
On the way back, Xiang Long said, "Thank you, President Ji."
Ji Zhi Xiu's eyes held a smile. "What are you thanking me for?"
Xiang Long grinned. "I know you didn't want to keep me by Miss's side either."
"You're quite smart." His tone was unreadable, making it hard to tell if he was praising her.
"After all, I've been following you for many years."
Xiang Long began his training at ten, taking on jobs in the underworld. Ji Zhi Xiu had bought him out and settled his family, removing his worries.
"You don't like Ji Zhi Lan, so I won't force you."
Xiang Long felt a warmth in his heart. He said sincerely, "I only wish to follow you, President Ji."
"Pack your things. We're heading to Jiangnan tomorrow."
"Yes."
When Ji Zhi Xiu arrived home, Jiang Mian had already packed her luggage. She had also informed Ning Jie, so she wouldn't be worried.
Seeing Ji Zhi Xiu return, she rushed to him with a fawning smile.
Ji Zhi Xiu understood. He lowered his head and cupped her chin. "You haven't taken your medicine?"
Being seen through so easily was rather disheartening.
Ji Zhi Xiu instructed someone to heat the medicine, then turned and pulled the young woman into his embrace. "Be good, Mianmian."
"I'll take it, I'll take it."
Jiang Mian responded better to gentle persuasion than to force. Ji Zhi Xiu's tenderness and soft words were something she found hard to refuse.
When the medicine was brought, she downed it in one gulp and ate two candied dates.
Ji Zhi Xiu teased, "I thought you'd find it too bitter to drink this time and I was going to help you." He emphasized the word "help."
Jiang Mian huffed softly. "I wouldn't."
Jiang Mian's hometown was, to be precise, a small town in Jiangnan. The town had long streets and ancient alleys, exuding a classic charm.
Nearby was an ancient temple with a moderate flow of incense. During market days, the broken bridge teemed with people, making it the liveliest spot. Most of the time, however, it was as tranquil as misty waves.
This serenity stood in stark contrast to the city's hustle and bustle.
However, a few years prior, the government had planned to acquire the land and develop it into a commercial street.
This plan was nipped in the bud before it could be implemented. Ji Zhi Xiu learned of it and, at a great cost, halted the redevelopment plan. He also promised the government that he would cover all related planning expenses, thereby preserving this peaceful haven.
Of course, only he knew about this. He didn't want Jiang Mian to lose this beautiful memory that she shared with her grandmother and him.
Returning to this place again, Jiang Mian felt as though she had traveled through time.
She walked leisurely on the broken bridge. The setting sun bled like crimson, and smoke curled from the chimneys of houses on the opposite bank, creating a scene of peace and harmony.
Ji Zhi Xiu took her hand, and they stood side by side.
"It's beautiful. Jiangnan is indeed as romantic as they say, living up to its reputation." He found himself harboring a desire to stay here forever.
Jiang Mian tilted her head. "We can come here to retire in the future."
"Retire," he savored the word, a smile gracing his lips. "Good."
"Hey, isn't that Miss Jiang from the Jiang family?" a woman washing clothes by the river called out, straightening up.
Jiang Mian looked in the direction of the voice, her eyes lighting up. She took a few quick steps to the end of the bridge. "Are you Auntie Hu?"
Auntie Hu's eyes curved into a smile as she brought her wooden basin up onto the bridge. "It's me. You must be Mianmian? It's been such a long time. You've grown so beautiful."
Her praise was sincere and did not feel like flattery.
Jiang Mian's lips curved upwards, her heart filled with joy. "Auntie Hu, it's wonderful to see an old acquaintance so soon after returning."
When she was little, Auntie Hu's house was right next to her and her grandmother's, so close that she often visited to scrounge for meals.
Auntie Hu looked at the man beside her; Ji Zhi Xiu's presence was undeniable.
She looked up. "Did you bring your husband back for ancestral worship?"
Jiang Mian turned to look at Ji Zhi Xiu. The man's expression was calm; he did not object.
She smiled. "Yes. We've come back to see Grandma."
Mentioning Madam Jiang, Auntie Hu sighed softly, careful not to upset the young girl, and changed the subject. "Since you're back, you must come to my house for lunch. Come, bring your husband, and let's go home, Auntie."
"Oh, Auntie, no need. I can just make something myself when I get back."
Auntie Hu disagreed. "No one lives in your house, and how can you use just any pots and pans? Not coming to Auntie's means you're being distant with me. You little thing, you'll break my heart."
Jiang Mian looked helplessly at Ji Zhi Xiu.
She then heard his voice, tinged with warmth. "Then we'll trouble you, Auntie Hu."
His words were clear and precise, his handsome face gentle and refined.
Auntie Hu's heart was instantly captured by this young man. Her hands were occupied with the wooden basin, or she would have patted him.
Even though she hadn't been back in a long time, Jiang Mian remembered exactly which way to turn and what was on the road.
The group descended the bridge and headed towards Auntie Hu's house.