Chapter 42#
The draft that Nie Xu finally gave him contained only twelve words in total.
Grateful for your trust, young and inexperienced, not up to the task.
Even the officials were left speechless alongside Ji Yang.
He picked up the A4 sheet of paper where the characters were scrawled with bold, sweeping strokes, tucked it away, and said with a smile, “I know I’m still too outstanding to receive such widespread recognition from the family.” The moment those words left his mouth, the expressions on these people’s faces became extraordinarily colorful.
Ji Yang continued, “By rights, in one’s twenties is precisely when one should be contributing to the family. The moment the vote count came out, I genuinely and seriously considered whether, as the legitimate heir of the main branch, I should come back and shoulder the responsibilities that should rightfully belong to me. Unfortunately, I—” he paused here, “—am a man with a broken body. The doctor said I may need to take medication long-term. Every day when I step out the door, I think about it: however heavy the prosthetic limb is, however difficult the road is, for the family’s dignity, I have to grit my teeth and endure.” He smiled bitterly. “I’m truly grateful for everyone’s trust. But I genuinely—lack the strength. I’m destined to let everyone down.”
Grateful for your trust, young and inexperienced, not up to the task — every single word was included.
Perfect.
Ji Mingyue whispered: “And it should rightfully belong to you — praise yourself while stepping on everyone else at the same time.”
“Isn’t this enough modesty?” Ji Yang refused to admit he’d done it on purpose.
He was quite satisfied. Making some people dissatisfied made him even more satisfied.
Especially when several people from the branch families pinched their noses and offered compliments.
“The Fourth Young Master is too humble.”
“The Fourth Young Master is simply not yet familiar with the group’s business; his abilities are still there.”
“The Fourth Young Master has matured. In his heart, he still has the Ji family.”
Ji Yang suspected that these tactless people who were speaking might very well be the ones who had voted for him, completely oblivious to the ugly expressions on the faces of the other main branch members.
Sure enough, the old master actually turned his head and asked Nie Xu: “You wrote it like that for him?”
“Not at all.” Ji Yang answered first, his eyes locked on Nie Xu as he spoke, “Assistant Nie’s speech drafts are as serious and boring as the man himself. Only his face and physique are worth looking at.”
Nie Xu met his gaze calmly, then lowered his head: “The Fourth Young Master’s lesson is noted.”
Ji Yang’s teeth ached slightly just hearing it.
The old master’s face turned stern, directed at Ji Yang: “What kind of talk is that!”
“Good talk,” Ji Yang said. “Originally, it was Grandfather who reassigned him to me — you haven’t forgotten, have you, Grandfather? It can’t be that when you’re happy, you arrange things however you please, and when you’re unhappy, you have Nie Xu monitor me. My heart is pinned on him — what if one day you order him to stab me? Wouldn’t I just have to take it, hurt in body and wounded in heart? I can’t control other people, but can’t I at least have some control over my own heart?”
Ji Yang was thinking: at this stage, it was indeed appropriate to gradually change the impression he’d given people in the past. When the time came to step away from the main storyline’s romance and no longer be malicious, his withdrawal could be more natural.
He had to thank the old master for providing this opportunity. The reason Ji Yang dared to bring up the surveillance matter so openly was that he’d guessed the old master wouldn’t let it continue.
Sure enough, the old master rapped the table: “Enough. That was all for your safety. Ah Xu indulges your nonsense because of his loyalty.”
The people on the main branch’s side immediately chimed in: “The Fourth Young Master says such things — is he perhaps harboring resentment toward the old master?”
“Everyone says the Fourth Young Master loves to cause trouble. Now I see he’s just as bad. This Nie Xu has been in the Ji family since he was small — he doesn’t belong to any one person.”
“Exactly. Back then the Fourth Young Master quarreled with the Third Young Master over him. When it comes to composure, the Third Young Master certainly sees things more comprehensively.”
“Why ramble so much? Third Young Master, go ahead and speak already.”
The one called upon, Ji Chengyi, was nothing like Ji Yang — he genuinely kept his posture extremely low. He said: “I wouldn’t dare delay matters of great importance to the family. I still have much to learn. Shipping and transportation — entrusting it to Eldest Brother is far more suitable than me…”
Both people from the main branch showed signs of giving up.
The business falling on Ji Zhonglin’s head seemed to have become a foregone conclusion.
Ji Yang was also quite curious about what Ji Zhonglin’s actual attitude was.
Ji Zhonglin frowned and stayed silent for a long time.
His hands rested on the table. He looked at Ji Yang, then at Ji Chengyi.
Finally, as if having convinced himself, he said: “I still hold my original position. I propose Chengyi to take over.”
The Second Madam shot to her feet: “Ji Zhonglin, have you lost your mind?!”
Ji Yang: … Really out of ideas.
The old master glanced at the Second Madam and said directly: “Begin the second round of voting.”
The second round was an open ballot — a show of hands.
Because it was an open ballot, even more people tried to read the old master’s mind.
The people around the long table raised their hands one after another — some fast, some slow — their eyes shifting back and forth between Ji Zhonglin and Ji Chengyi.
The final result was as expected.
Ji Chengyi took twelve votes alone, Ji Zhonglin eight, and the remaining five votes belonged to Ji Yang, apart from the Third Branch who had abstained.
Ji Chengyi won.
The people on the Second Branch’s side all changed their expressions in unison.
Some even said: “I cannot agree with this result. I demand a re-vote!”
“Exactly, old master. It’s not just you — the various granduncles in the family all watched Zhonglin grow up. None of you are more qualified to judge whether he is truly the most suitable candidate.”
Ji Yansong exchanged a glance with the elder closest to him, as if they had reached some tacute understanding. To be able to sit directly below Ji Yansong — even as a granduncle from the branch families — one’s status was different.
The elder took a sip of tea. His voice was slow, yet every word was clear: “Zhonglin carries a heavy burden. Chengyi is younger. Ultimately, it’s all for the Ji family. The Lanhai Bay project, despite its twists and turns — we’ve all been watching how Chengyi handled public sentiment and comforted the people during his time in Zhouling. As for shipping and transportation — the fishermen, merchants, and partners underneath, what they recognize isn’t seniority. It’s character.”
The words were soft, but the meaning was hard.
The people on the Second Branch’s side were instantly frozen in place.
Ji Zhonglin was their hope, but now that the old master leaned toward Ji Chengyi, it meant they would inevitably sideline Ji Zhonglin — or would they go even further and kick him out entirely? This was the common worry among the Second Branch’s people.
The Second Madam’s eyes were brimming with disappointment.
Ji Zhonglin, on the other hand, seemed to take it in stride.
Ji Chengyi, in particular, had been reluctantly pushed to the forefront. He shook his head slightly with a hint of helplessness: “Granduncle flatters me. I merely did what was within my duty.” He spoke earnestly, even carrying a trace of the embarrassment that came with being hoisted to such a height.
No brothers turning against each other, no ugly fighting — this vivid picture of fraternal harmony and united effort was probably within Ji Zhonglin’s expected outcome.
Until the old master said: “Chengyi, tell us about your plans.”
“Grandfather.” Ji Chengyi’s expression was still troubled. He turned his head to look in Ji Zhonglin’s direction, then finally sighed and nodded: “Since all the elders trust me, I will do my utmost. Since it’s been handed to me, I have a few preliminary plans…”
Though he called them preliminary plans, he went from route optimization at Zhouling Port, to readjusting profit distribution for the fisherman-merchant partnerships, to a framework proposal for the shipping association’s restructuring — each presented with clear logic and solid data.
He even laid out budget ranges, risk assessments, and execution timelines for each segment — all in precise detail.
The Second Madam’s expression went from iron-gray at the start to deathly white, like the dust had finally settled.
Ji Zhonglin sat there, and the calmness in his eyes gradually gave way to something complicated.
As if a puzzle piece had fallen into place, only to reveal a truth he had never imagined.
All the modesty, all the deference — they transformed into four words: long-prepared.
Some of the plans showed signs of immaturity, even held back in places, but if one hadn’t thoroughly mastered the business, it would have been impossible to be so comprehensive, with not a single flaw or shortcoming to be found.
Ji Yang watched Ji Zhonglin’s transformation from beginning to end with perfect clarity.
He felt a bit of sympathy.
Although all this came earlier than in the book, it was still better than reaching the point where the Ji family was completely gone while still naively believing the person would have a change of heart.
As Ji Chengyi’s plans drew to a close, the hall fell extremely quiet. Every person carried their own scales in their heart. After today, there would surely be quite a few defections from the Second Branch’s camp.
The old master declared: “Very well. It’s decided. Meeting adjourned.”
That brought the family meeting to its conclusion.
Though the meeting had officially ended, the discussions lingered long and wouldn’t dissipate.
Ji Yang had arrived his own way, and he planned to leave the same way.
Aunt Mo insisted he wait — she said since he wasn’t willing to stay at the estate, she’d prepared some daily necessities for him to take with him.
Ji Yang leaned against a stone pillar outside the main gate, waiting.
The people who came out one after another included several who greeted him. Almost none of the old fogeys did — they were all young people from the branch families. Placed anywhere outside, each one would be a top-tier, outstanding young noble.
“What are you looking at?” Ji Mingyue had appeared beside him at some point.
Ji Yang lifted his chin toward the steps below. “I was just thinking — the Ji family’s main branch doesn’t exactly have a flourishing population, yet the branch families are brimming with talent. How come no one has ever attempted a coup?”
Ji Mingyue lunged forward to cover his mouth.
“What are you doing?” Ji Yang stopped her.
Ji Mingyue smacked him. “Don’t you know? People outside say the Ji family’s main branch has a thin line because they’ve committed too many evil deeds and been cursed. Grandfather especially hates hearing that kind of talk. My mom says that year when they renovated the main building, they specifically hired a master to perform a divination.”
Ji Yang: “So superstitious? If they performed the divination, how come they still didn’t manage to produce a few more?”
Ji Mingyue was exhausted by him and rolled her eyes. “So the curse rumors have been around all along.”
By now it was past noon. The weather that had been perfectly clear in the morning had turned its face. Dark clouds piled up along the horizon.
Ji Yang rubbed his knee from time to time.
Based on the aching, there was definitely a downpour coming.
“Should I have the driver take you?” Ji Mingyue looked at his leg with concern.
Ji Yang shook his head. “No need. I’m used to it. This little pain I can endure.”
Qi Songqing had given him new medication last time. Ji Yang had also persisted with his physical therapy. Lately, he hadn’t been tormented much by phantom limb pain.
While the two of them were chatting idly, they happened to be blocked from view by the large stone pillar.
Suddenly, from the space behind them came a sharp “smack” — a resounding slap.
Ji Yang and Ji Mingyue both turned their heads to look almost simultaneously.
The Second Madam’s eyes were rimmed red. She had raised her hand against her son, who was nearly thirty, and berated him: “Your uncle just got stripped of his position, and the shipping business went to the main branch. What do we of the Second Branch still have in the group? What will we stand on from now on— I always used to think you were outstanding, steady, never making me worry an ounce. But now look at you — you’ve let lard cloud your brain, actually believing that the main branch’s son is some good and kind person!”
“Mom.” Ji Zhonglin reached out and held his mother’s shoulders. “I’ll handle it.”
“What do you mean handle it! I don’t have time to scold you right now. All those uncles and aunts of yours are busy fawning over the main branch now. They’ve enjoyed the Second Branch’s benefits for years, and the moment they turn, they turn!” The Second Madam stormed off in anger.
Ji Mingyue: “Although I don’t like Second Aunt, I think what she said is actually pretty spot-on.”
Ji Yang: “If it were me, I’d make them spit it all out too.”
Ji Mingyue: “I was talking about the part she said about Ji Chengyi.”
Ji Yang: “I never denied that.”
…
“How long are you two going to lurk back there?” Ji Zhonglin suddenly turned around. “Come out.”
Ji Mingyue pouted and stepped out: “Big Brother.”
Ji Yang didn’t move from his spot against the pillar: “We weren’t lurking. We got here first.”
What did surprise Ji Yang, however, was that Ji Zhonglin didn’t show any of the dejection or collapse he’d expected. Based on his emotional state, he actually seemed to be doing better than before.
He even had the energy to bring up Ji Mingyue.
“Your engagement with Qi Yiming falling through is one thing. But what’s this about a drama you recently invested in?”
Ji Mingyue was startled: “Big Brother, how did you know?”
“The director happens to be from Fanzhou’s biggest entertainment company. They specifically reached out to me to ask if you were planning to dip your toes into the industry as a casual investor.”
Ji Yang was also quite shocked hearing this: “Are you an investor, or are you trying to become a celebrity?”
Being questioned so publicly, Ji Mingyue flushed red.
“I was just quietly testing the waters. Can you two not make such a fuss about it?”
Ji Zhonglin: “This industry has very deep waters. It may not suit you.”
Ji Yang: “I support it.”
Ji Zhonglin turned and glared at him.
Ji Yang was speechless and pretended not to see.
At that moment, a rumble of thunder rolled across the sky. Raindrops came from far to near, arriving swiftly, pattering against the steps.
“Looks like a thunderstorm.” Ji Chengyi’s voice came from the gate.
He had come out last, accompanying the elderly men. He shook hands and exchanged words with them, then turned to Nie Xu, who had come out afterward: “The elders are getting on in years. Could we arrange for someone to see them home? I’m a bit worried.”
“Someone will be here shortly,” Nie Xu said. “The old master has already given the instruction in advance.”
In less than a minute, a group of bodyguards holding black umbrellas lined up in unison at the bottom of the steps.
Raindrops as large as beans hammered against the umbrellas with a pattering sound, quickly streaming down from all sides in lines.
Ji Yang watched the scene at the gate in silence.
Ji Chengyi had now become the Ji family’s de facto figurehead. His past humility and gentleness remained, but no longer was he low-key. He presented himself with composed ease, his personal bodyguard Wang Weitao trailing behind him — truly achieving what it meant to be neither servile nor overbearing.
Ji Yang even noticed a small step backward, bringing him shoulder to shoulder with Nie Xu.
At first glance, Nie Xu didn’t look like someone taking orders. They stood there together, standing before the gates of the Ji family, a building on the verge of collapse. A vague premonition rose in Ji Yang’s heart: Did Ji Chengyi truly not know who Nie Xu was?
And what about Nie Xu? Ji Chengyi stood high enough. Did his leniency mean he had already noticed — or did he have other plans?
One by one, the people at the gate departed.
Ji Chengyi turned his head and noticed the small group here.
He paused, then walked over.
He stopped in front of Ji Zhonglin, hesitated, and smiled bitterly: “Big Brother, do you think I’ve had ulterior motives all along?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Ji Zhonglin said calmly. “As children of the Ji family, I can understand.”
Whether the guilt he’d felt at first, the sympathy born from knowing the hardships Ji Chengyi had endured along the way, and the desire to make amends — whether any of it had disappeared — only Ji Zhonglin himself knew.
Ji Chengyi lowered his eyes. “I’d almost rather you lose your temper at me.”
Ji Yang, from behind: “Truly touching — what a heartwarming ‘brotherly bond.’”
His sarcastic tone made Ji Zhonglin’s temple twitch. The man always seemed incapable of thinking normal thoughts. He turned to glare at him: “I told you to stay at my apartment and you wouldn’t. I said you could stay here and you wouldn’t either. Are you leaving or not?”
Ji Yang lifted his chin toward the rain outside.
“It’s pouring. I’m waiting for someone to give me a ride.”
Who knew that sentence would hit Ji Chengyi’s sensitive nerve.
He frowned at him: “Ji Yang, does it always have to be like this with you? Just to embarrass me right in front of my face?”
Ji Yang’s face was a perfect picture of confusion: “What?”
So he thought when Ji Yang asked for a ride, he meant Nie Xu?
Ji Chengyi: “I know I’ve been awkward in the past. But since you’ve seen through it, to keep doing this over and over — don’t you think you’re being childish and tiresome?”
Ji Yang turned to Ji Mingyue: “Did you understand what he’s saying?”
Ji Mingyue nodded and said with a straight face: “A successful person is ready to face his own heart. He likes Nie Xu too. He called you a green tea bitch and said you’re childish.”
“Oh, I see.” Ji Yang nodded.
He turned and called toward the steps: “Nie Xu!”
The man holding an umbrella and chatting with someone at the bottom of the steps turned his head to look.
The moment Ji Chengyi saw him calling the man directly, his face darkened: “What are you trying to do? Complain? You did it at the meeting too. Nie Xu — not everyone’s feelings are as shallow as yours.”
Ji Yang: …
The man was busy seizing power, yet he remembered a casual comment about his face and physique so clearly?
Ji Yang nodded: “Indeed. How could anyone’s feelings possibly be as deep as Third Brother’s.”
Nie Xu walked up with the umbrella, folded it, and planted it on the ground, leaving a ring of water marks.
He stood there: “What’s wrong?”
“I got scolded.” Ji Yang said flatly.
Nie Xu surveyed everyone present, then asked: “And?”
“So can I hit someone?” Ji Yang said.
That question not only made Nie Xu raise an eyebrow, but every other person present also looked like they’d short-circuited.
Nie Xu stepped closer: “Asking for my opinion?”
“Mm-hm.” Ji Yang crossed his arms and let out a cold laugh.
After all, he’s your canon partner.
Nie Xu: “Asking for my opinion — the answer is no.”
Ji Yang closed his eyes: I knew it! In the end, someone else matters more!
Ji Chengyi’s voice softened.
“Nie Xu.”
Nie Xu kept his gaze on Ji Yang, looking downward: “You need to lean on something just to stand. With legs like that, who exactly do you think you could beat in a fight?”