Ji Wei led Gu Moqian into the living room.
As the two stepped inside, the busy servants in the living room all turned their heads in unison. Seeing Ji Wei, they froze for a moment, but when they noticed Gu Moqian beside her, every single one of them stood rooted to the spot, ears ringing with astonishment.
Noticing how Gu Moqian was curiously observing the surroundings from the moment they entered, Ji Wei couldn’t help but chuckle lightly: "How could the Ji Family possibly compare to your luxury mansion? Everything here has been in place for almost twenty years—just a bunch of antiques, nothing worth admiring."
"This is where you grew up, where you’ve lived your life. To me, that makes it special."
Gu Moqian glanced back at her, his tone serious and sincere.
Ji Wei froze for a moment, just about to speak, when a sharp voice suddenly pierced the air from the doorway—
"Our dear Miss Ji disappeared all night yesterday, and now she finally decides to grace us with her presence. A young lady staying out overnight—what kind of behavior is that? If you were to encounter some malicious person and ruin your reputation, losing face is one thing, but tarnishing the Ji Family’s name is far worse."
Ji Yunxiang strode into the living room while speaking, heading directly toward the two.
Ji Wei saw Ji Yunxiang enter, and her expression gradually grew cold.
Five years ago, Ji Yunxiang divorced her husband and brought her daughter Ji Shanshan back to her parents’ home at the Ji Family. She shamelessly insisted on living there ever since. Having been accustomed to living as a wealthy woman, Ji Yunxiang did nothing productive—spending all her days shopping and playing cards with a group of affluent ladies, all funded by Old Madam Ji.
Ji Yunxiang’s greatest aspiration was to marry off her daughter Ji Shanshan to a rich man, ensuring a worry-free life for the remainder of their days.
The moment Ji Yunxiang saw Gu Moqian, she visibly froze.
Mr. Gu from Rongcheng lived up to his reputation: every gesture and movement radiated an effortless and refined nobility. He stood there quietly, his tall and graceful figure reminiscent of jade, his handsomeness shining like the moon’s glow.
So good-looking and unimaginably wealthy—if Shanshan could marry a man like him, wouldn’t the mother and daughter be set for life?
Ji Yunxiang’s eyes gleamed with calculation as devious schemes took shape in her mind.
With urgent eagerness to get closer to Gu Moqian, she noticed Ji Wei blocking the way and stepped forward brazenly, shoving Ji Wei aside without hesitation to stand proudly in front of Gu Moqian.
Looking up at the man in front of her, who seemed like a divine presence, Ji Yunxiang’s heart raced uncontrollably. Overcome with joy, she enthusiastically extended her hand: "Mr. Gu, I’m Shanshan’s mother! My daughter is so beautiful—you surely remember her, don’t you?"
Ji Wei stumbled a step back after being pushed by Ji Yunxiang’s plump frame, unsteady on her feet.
The pressure in the air around Gu Moqian plummeted. His expression ice-cold, he shot Ji Yunxiang a sharp glare and quickly walked over to support Ji Wei. "Are you alright?"
Ji Wei shook her head lightly.
"Shopping tired you out today, didn’t it? Let me take you upstairs to rest."
The tenderness in Gu Moqian’s gaze was reserved for Ji Wei alone, his words laced with gentle concern.
Ji Wei had no desire to exchange another word with Ji Yunxiang, so she immediately nodded in agreement.
Gu Moqian helped Ji Wei turn and head toward the stairs.
Seeing the two leave her utterly ignored, Ji Yunxiang clenched her palm so tightly in frustration that her nails dug into her skin. Yet outwardly, she feigned concern and called out with a false smile: "Little Wei, your father threw quite the tantrum before leaving for the office this morning. Your aunt tried her best to calm him down but couldn’t. Please, make sure you don’t do anything rebellious again that might upset him, alright?"
Ji Yunxiang’s insincere remarks made Ji Wei’s brow crease slightly. Turning back, she retorted: "What father and daughter don’t bicker once in a while? No matter how often we argue, the bond between father and daughter runs thicker than water. Our relationship is perfectly fine and doesn’t require auntie’s concern."