Gu Qixiao’s heart stirred slightly. He realized that Ji Yu still paid attention to his matters.
But the attention between them seemed to be just this little bit, and even if he wanted to struggle, it would take quite a lot of time.
"Since you still don’t want to see me, I’ll head back first. I won’t do anything stupid again, but you have to promise me: no matter what happens, remember to contact me."
Ji Yu remained silent for a moment before finally nodding.
However, Gu Qixiao didn’t expect that when he stepped outside, he would see Lin Chujian waiting by the door.
She looked at the sorrow on Gu Qixiao’s face with a half-smile, seemingly having gained some understanding of the situation.
"So, the woman inside is the one you said looks a lot like my aunt, right? I only caught a glimpse of her side profile just now, but even from that, I can tell—they do look very similar."
She was quite curious about such matters.
However, since Ji Yu didn’t want to come back, there was no way she would force her.
"She doesn’t want to return. You people should stop disrupting her life."
Gu Qixiao wanted to ensure Ji Yu wouldn’t be mistreated by them.
"Relax, I wouldn’t stoop to something like that. Plus, the old man will probably investigate on his own. She’s considered somewhat well-known, isn’t she? Even without you or me saying anything, she’s bound to be exposed sooner or later."
She had always believed this matter was only a matter of time before it resolved itself.
Still, this incident had put them in a somewhat awkward bind.
"Don’t tell me you have feelings for this woman? Liking that crazy Song Xuan wasn’t enough for you—now you’re falling for her too?"
Her tone carried obvious disdain, as if she thought Ji Yu was entirely unworthy of Gu Qixiao.
"This is none of your business. And as for Song Xuan, there’s nothing between us like what you’re imagining."
It seemed like everyone at the ball was aware of whatever had happened with Song Xuan, and it was no wonder Ji Yu would mind.
He started to deeply reflect on himself, becoming more convinced that his recent actions were truly disastrous.
"You’re acting completely lovestruck. Don’t tell me you’d actually do something stupid for this girl."
Lin Chujian, seeing the expression on Gu Qixiao’s face, was curious about what he might do next.
"You don’t need to meddle in my affairs. Whatever is between me and her is our problem. If you interfere, don’t blame me for being rude."
This was the first time Gu Qixiao was openly cold to her. Lin Chujian felt a little bitter about it, but knowing how uncompromising he could be at times, she didn’t press further. She turned and left the Ji family residence.
Still, she certainly wasn’t planning to let this go easily. She simply sent Ji Yu an email, inviting her to meet.
When Ji Yu saw the message, she initially thought it was from a client and didn’t have much of a reaction.
It wasn’t until they met that she discovered the one seeking her out was Lin Chujian.
"What can I do for you, Miss?"
Her expression was calm, as if she wasn’t the least bit afraid of Lin Chujian trying to stir trouble.
"Miss Ji, let’s get acquainted. My surname is Lin, and my name is Lin Chujian. I might be your relative."
When she brought up this matter, her expression carried a trace of mockery. Clearly, she didn’t like the idea either. But some things really were ironic. After all, who wouldn’t be stunned to suddenly discover, after so many years, that they had an additional aunt?
"Sorry, but you should know my surname is Ji. How could I possibly be related to someone surnamed Lin? If you’re worried I’ll cause any trouble, there’s really no need."
Such things were simply impossible for her to entertain.
Ji Yu had her own pride. She wasn’t about to easily believe the words of so-called relatives. Updates are released by novel※fire.net
"Is that so? But from the way you look, it seems like you do want to come back. Whether or not you’re part of our family is one thing; however, based on your relationship with Gu Qixiao alone, don’t think you’ll be able to get past me."
So, it turned out to be yet another one of Gu Qixiao’s romantic entanglements.
Truth be told, Ji Yu hadn’t expected her to show up here either.
"Then you must be mistaken. I have no intention of going to your family. I have my own home. As for my relationship with Gu Qixiao, can’t you tell what it is?"
She had already decisively chosen to distance herself before, knowing there would be plenty more trouble in the future.
Now, it was unfolding exactly as she predicted. Yet these problems seemed determined not to let her go just like that.
"If you have something to say, just be direct. Or, if you’re interested in Gu Qixiao, why not confess to him directly? Why come to me seeking a sense of presence?"
She had no patience for such things.
The current situation was nothing but torment for her.
"I just want to warn you: don’t think you have a chance to climb the social ladder. And don’t even dream about returning to the Lin family."
"Even dogs can understand human words, right? You’re here biting at me —did I ever do anything to you?" Ji Yu was naturally impatient, and hearing this repetitive nonsense only annoyed her further.
Besides, Gu Qixiao’s matters had little to do with her in the first place. Wasn’t this just pestering for no reason?
"What do you mean?" Lin Chujian’s face darkened, clearly upset by Ji Yu’s remark comparing her to a dog.
"I said you’re a dog," Ji Yu stated plainly.
"With intelligence like yours, don’t bother playing games. Honestly, I don’t even care to argue about this—it’s not worth it."
She stood up to leave but was blocked by Lin Chujian. "So you insult me and think you can just walk away?"
"What, should I stay and insult you more? If you enjoy being scolded, that’s fine by me, but seriously, don’t you find your behavior a bit disgraceful?"
It was as if Lin Chujian was implying she couldn’t survive without clinging to Gu Qixiao.
"And for the record, your family’s business has nothing to do with me. I won’t be going back. Returning to your family would mean stepping into an unfamiliar place."
Given that, why not just stay peacefully with the Ji family?
Lin Chujian was already hostile toward Ji Yu, and upon hearing this, her anger flared. She raised her hand, ready to strike Ji Yu across the face. But before she could, someone intercepted her.
"Brother? What are you doing here?" Ji Yu was surprised.
She had intended to handle this herself, but seeing Ji Yuanzhou here now gave her much relief.
"I was nearby for a meeting and heard your voice, so I came to check." Fortunately, he arrived in time; otherwise, that slap would have landed on Ji Yu’s face.
He glared at the person in front of him with a hostile expression. "Who do you think you are, daring to strike my sister?"
Though he could dismiss other matters, if anyone tried to harm Ji Yu, he would be the first to stand up for her.
Ji Yu was also baffled, unable to comprehend what Lin Chujian was thinking—how could someone behave this way?
"What if I hit her? What business is it of yours? After all, aren’t you just an imposter too?"